Guwahati, July 30: Outer Manipur MP Alfred Kanngam S Arthur while addressing the ongoing budget session of the Parliament has called for the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, citing widespread discontent and unrest in the state.
The MP’s statements come amid escalating violence that has plagued the state since May 3, 2023, leading to significant loss of life and displacement of thousands.
Arthur asserted that an entire community in Manipur holds the Chief Minister responsible for the current turmoil, emphasising the urgent need for leadership change to restore peace. “A community is saying the CM has orchestrated the entire conflict. You can at least replace him. Is it so difficult to replace one man and restore peace?” Arthur questioned.
The MP also criticised the absence of Union ministers in the conflict-affected state, recalling a time when central ministers visited Manipur monthly. “Earlier, a Union minister would visit the state every month. Where have they been since May 3, 2023?” he said inviting PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Manipur to witness the suffering of its people firsthand.
Turning his attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Arthur expressed disappointment over the government’s response to the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.
“The PM likes to say that ‘Modi hai toh mumkin hai,’ but peace in Manipur remains elusive. Does he know that people have been living in refugee camps for 15 months without adequate food?” he stated.
He also criticised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her lack of support for the border state, noting that Manipur has “the lowest per capita income and highest inflation in the country”.
“Despite facing unprecedented floods, the worst in 35 years, and conflict, the Finance Minister has presented an anti-people budget,” he said, urging the Centre to put the Northeast on the national tourism map to create job opportunities for local youth.
