"Manipur's suffering must end": Mallikarjun Kharge writes urgent SOS to President

Amid the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has penned an urgent letter to President Droupadi Murmu, calling for her intervention to bring peace to the state. Kharge expressed his deep concern over the continuing turmoil that has claimed over 300 lives, displaced nearly one lakh people, and caused severe economic distress.

In his letter, Kharge criticized both the BJP-led state government and the Centre for their failure to restore normalcy in Manipur, which has been grappling with unrest for more than 18 months. "The country has been inflicted with a grave tragedy due to the turmoil in Manipur, with the ongoing violence affecting women, children, and the elderly," he wrote. Kharge highlighted the severe toll on the people, many of whom are living in relief camps and suffering from mental health crises.

The Congress chief also detailed the socio-economic consequences of the violence, including business closures, rising inflation, and the displacement of professionals. The situation is compounded by blocked national highways and the shutdown of schools, which have worsened the hardships of ordinary people.

Kharge emphasized the emotional and psychological toll on Manipur's residents, who have lost confidence in both the central and state governments. "For over 540 days, the people of Manipur have been isolated, insecure, and helpless," he wrote, adding that the government's inaction has eroded public trust in both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

In a pointed remark, Kharge compared the Prime Minister’s lack of visits to the state with those of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who has visited Manipur three times. Kharge expressed his bewilderment at Modi's refusal to visit the state despite widespread calls from the people.

Kharge’s letter to the President underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder that, in times of crisis, leadership must respond with compassion and commitment to peace.