Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh has clarified that had it not been an ethnic conflict and a natural disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have definitely intervened in Manipur.
He was responding to queries from reporters on the sidelines of ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ programme at Eralibill Village Council Hall on Monday when asked about the Prime Minister’s silence over Manipur violence.
Singh said that Union Minister for Home Amit Shah was stationed in the State for three nights, while his deputy Nityanand Rai stayed for 23 days. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was constantly monitoring the situation and had despatched additional paramilitary forces to quell the violence. He also said that Prime Minister was kept updated daily on the ongoing developments in Manipur by the MHA.
He also highlighted the Central government’s decision to increase compensation amounts for affected families. When asked why he was not allowed to speak in the Parliament on the issue, the minister explained that while Members of Parliament (MPs) retain the right to ask questions, the council of ministers forfeit their right to speak, emphasizing that ministers are only obliged to respond when specific questions related to the ministry matters are brought to the floor of the house.
He further mentioned that the Manipur crisis primarily fell under the purview of the MHA and that he could not comment further on the issue.
Referring to the “no confidence motion” moved by the opposition in Parliament recently over the Manipur violence, Singh alleged that the opposition parties were more interested in politicising the situation, instead of really caring for the people of the state.
“They were not really interested in the sufferings of the people of Manipur. That’s why Central leaders spoke on behalf of the Manipur people,” he stated.
Meanwhile, referring to Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign, Singh said it was Modi’s brainchild aimed at creating a spirit of nationalism.
He reminded everyone that people from the North Eastern states played a huge role in the India’s freedom struggle. Ranjan, however, lamented that the region’s contribution, along with its unsung heroes and their activities, were largely forgotten and hence not acknowledged.
In this regard, Singh requested all North Eastern states to prepare a list of at least 100 unsung heroes for inclusion in the history books.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by state Bharatiya Janata Yuva Manch (BJYM) vice-president Nokzenketba Jamir, while invocation was offered by NCRC Eralibill pastor Mathew Labo and welcome address was delivered by state BJYM general secretary Imnaningkum Longkumer.
State BJYM president Hosheto Awomi also spoke on the occasion along with Eralibill Village Council chairman Hokito Awomi, who also submitted a memorandum to Singh.