Congress general Secretary Jairam Ramesh questions Modi’s continued silence on Manipur, where over 220 people have died and thousands remain displaced since May 2023.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, June 16 — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation tour on Sunday, the Congress took sharp aim at his continued silence on the situation in Manipur. The party accused the Prime Minister of showing energy and enthusiasm for international diplomacy while failing to demonstrate empathy for citizens caught in the state’s ongoing ethnic violence.
“This is Mr. Modi’s 35th foreign visit since May 2023. He has all the 3 Es—energy, excitement, and enthusiasm—for overseas trips. But where is the fourth E—empathy—for the people of Manipur?” asked Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh in a post on X.
Modi’s latest visit includes stops in Cyprus, Croatia, and Canada, where he will participate in the G7 Summit. The Congress pointed out that this is happening while Manipur continues to suffer from the aftermath of violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since May 2023, over 220 people have been killed, and thousands displaced in the northeastern state.
READ: Second Round of Manipur Peace Talks to Focus on Post-Violence Realities
Ramesh also criticized Modi for not meeting any leaders or citizens from Manipur since the outbreak of violence. “It is pathetic that the Prime Minister has not spoken to anyone from the state in over a year. His indifference is shameful,” he said.
The Prime Minister leaves for Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia this morning.
There was a time when he boasted about his knowledge of algebra by spouting the (a+b)^2 equation as applicable to India and Canada. But things went horribly wrong thereafter. When it appeared that Canada… pic.twitter.com/tFU8eRnFnS
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 15, 2025
Referring to Modi’s earlier comments about India’s relationship with Canada—once symbolized with algebraic metaphors—Ramesh remarked on the irony of Modi’s attendance at the G7 despite diplomatic strains in recent years. “Once, his supporters claimed he wouldn’t attend even if invited. Yet, here he is,” Ramesh noted, adding that Canada had clarified India was invited due to its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Ramesh further pointed to the NITI Aayog CEO’s recent claim that India became the third-largest economy on May 24, 2025, suggesting the PM might want to update Canada’s leadership.
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The Congress has consistently criticized the Centre for its handling of the Manipur crisis. The situation led to the imposition of President’s Rule in February, with the state assembly placed under suspended animation. Last week, Congress accused Modi of “insensitivity,” saying Manipur’s agony is not just a regional issue but a national one.
Protests continue in Manipur over recent arrests linked to the violence. On Saturday, two police personnel were reportedly injured during fresh demonstrations.
