Continuing violence in Manipur an indictment of BJP's failure of governance: Congress

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah who would take responsibility for a "monumental failure of governance", after four civilians were killed in the latest spate of violence in the State

The Congress on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to restore peace in Manipur, saying the continuing violence in the strategically important border State exposed the government's inability to ensure law and order, protect constitutional rights, and safeguard national security.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posed three questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, asking how many more innocent lives must be lost before the government acts. He also questioned the efficacy of the measures taken by the Centre to end the ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023.

"Manipur is bleeding again because of BJP's incompetence! The horrific killing of four innocent civilians in the latest spate of violence is deeply condemnable. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," Mr. Kharge said in a post on X.

Since May 2023, more than 300 people have lost their lives, while 24,530 people continue to live in relief camps under "pathetic conditions" and women, children and vulnerable families continue to bear the brunt of the prolonged crisis, the Congress chief added.

"The BJP's political machinations, from imposing President's Rule to replacing the Chief Minister and reinstalling its own government, have yielded no peace. PM Modi, who did not even set foot in Manipur for nearly 29 months after violence erupted, has abysmally failed on his so-called assurance in Parliament," Mr. Kharge said.

He asked what had happened to the Peace Committee constituted by Mr. Shah in June 2023 and what concrete steps had been taken to restore peace, protect citizens and address the continuing security challenges in the sensitive border State.

Mr. Kharge also sought details of the action taken on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee. He questioned why thousands of people remained displaced, even as the Supreme Court had flagged 31 unnatural deaths in relief camps, and asked what steps had been taken to ensure the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children, and displaced families.

"After more than three years, over 300 deaths, President's Rule and a change of Chief Minister, who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance? How many more innocent lives must be lost before the Prime Minister and Home Minister act?" he asked.

Manipur deserved justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace, Mr. Kharge said, adding that the State's security and stability could not be held hostage to the BJP's political expediency.

The ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities, which began in May 2023, has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been displaced. Clashes between Kuki and Naga communities have also been reported in recent months.