Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park sparked criticism from the Congress party over what they perceive as neglect of the “increasingly disturbed” situation in various parts of Northeast India.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the PM’s priorities, stating, “We’re glad that the Prime Minister has found time amidst his various travels to spend today morning in Kaziranga… However, beyond Kaziranga, there are four questions for him on the ‘increasingly disturbed’ situation in different parts of the Northeast of India.”
Ramesh accused PM Modi of downplaying Chinese aggression, citing instances where Indian citizens were reportedly kidnapped by PLA troops. He also highlighted the ongoing violence in Manipur, describing it as a “state of virtual civil war.”
Regarding the situation in Manipur, Ramesh asked, “Why has the Prime Minister, ordinarily misusing taxpayer’s money to campaign around the country, not found the time to visit Manipur yet, or even take a call with the Chief Minister and the political parties of the State?”
He further raised concerns over the declaration of a “public emergency” by the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) and the subsequent bandh in Eastern Nagaland, criticizing the Union government for being “missing in action.”
Ramesh also addressed the resurgence of separatist groups in the region, citing recent abductions by groups like the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), and the United Liberation Front of Assam Independent (ULFA-I).
Ramesh questioned the Modi government’s response, stating, “When faced with this renewed violence, why is the Modi Sarkar sitting on its hands?”
