NOTE: Power Corridors brings you the voices of the MPs who spoke during the Lok Sabha session on March 11 on imposition of president rule in Manipur when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the state’s budget. While the text will not be a verbatim transcript, it closely captures the essence of their speeches. Often, only a fraction of what is said in Parliament reaches the public, and this series aims to bridge that gap, helping the people of Manipur understand how their concerns were addressed. In this third installment, we spotlight the powerful speech of Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu) member of parliament Dr. Rani Srikumar.
BY PC Bureau
The state of Manipur has been engulfed in violent ethnic clashes for over a year and a half, with devastating consequences for its people. Addressing the Parliament, Dr. Rani Srikumar, Member of Parliament from Tenkasi, delivered a scathing critique of the Union Government’s handling of the crisis, accusing the administration of negligence, political opportunism, and a failure to restore peace in the embattled northeastern state.
Escalation of Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has witnessed relentless violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. More than 250 people have been killed, while over 60,000 residents have been displaced, turning them into refugees in their own homeland. Schools, churches, and homes have been destroyed, leaving Manipur in a state of disarray. With over 1.5 million students losing access to education, the future of the state’s youth remains uncertain.
“The violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki Groups have spread throughout the State as it ended in riots. More than 250 people were burnt alive besides 60 thousand people have become refugees in their own State of our country. Schools have been damaged and churches were demolished. Many of their belongings have been badly damaged. More than 15 lakh students have lost their education. Is it not necessary for the Prime Minister to remain in this august House at the time such an important discussion is taking place? Thousands of weapons have been looted from the weapon depot which is under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the presence of our armed forces. Hon Prime Minister was witnessing this as a mute spectator,” she said.
Dr. Srikumar questioned the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the parliamentary discussion on this critical issue, stating, “Is it not necessary for the Prime Minister to remain in this august House at the time such an important discussion is taking place?”
Security Failures and Weapons Looting
A deeply concerning aspect of the crisis has been the looting of thousands of weapons from a Ministry of Home Affairs-controlled depot, allegedly under the watch of armed forces. Dr. Srikumar ridiculed the Prime Minister’s oft-repeated claim of being a ‘Chowkidar’ (watchman), questioning, “Thousands of weapons have been looted from the weapon depot which is under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the presence of our armed forces. Hon Prime Minister was witnessing this as a mute spectator. But PM proclaims himself as a Chowkidar wherever he goes. Is it not a funny thing? When you cannot protect your arms depot, how will you protect the common people of this country? In what way the people of this country hope that they are protected? Prime Minister is so inclined to find a solution to Ukraine issue by holding talks with the Ukrainian leaders. Are you not having inclination to find solution to the problem faced by a small State of our country.”
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Silence and Political Motivations
Dr. Srikumar accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fueling the conflict for political gains. She pointed out that while the Prime Minister has actively engaged in global affairs, including diplomatic efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, he has failed to visit Manipur or provide reassurance to its citizens.
The MP also targeted the concept of ‘Double Engine Government’, a term often used by the BJP to emphasize cooperation between the Union and State governments under its leadership. She questioned its effectiveness, remarking, “Is this the way of functioning of Double Engine Government in our country? Or has the double engine become faulty?”
Atrocities Against Women: A National Shame
One of the most harrowing aspects of the Manipur violence has been the horrific crimes committed against women, including the widely condemned incident of Kuki women being paraded naked and gang-raped. The circulation of these videos shocked the nation and the world, raising grave concerns about women’s safety in India.
Dr. Srikumar accused the BJP-led government of selective outrage, highlighting that sexual violence cases in non-BJP ruled states are met with strong condemnation, while atrocities in Manipur are met with silence.
Neglect in Budget Allocations
Dr. Srikumar further criticized the Union Government’s drastic reduction in funds for essential sectors in Manipur, arguing that the financial neglect exacerbates the state’s crisis. Key budget cuts include:
- Education: Increased by a meager 2.2%, insufficient to address the ongoing educational collapse.
- Health: Allocation increased by only 0.2%, despite Manipur’s fragile healthcare system.
- Tourism: Funds reduced by 79.4%, damaging the state’s economy.
- Relief & Disaster Management: Allocation cut by 17.7%, impacting efforts to rehabilitate displaced citizens.
- Labour & Employment: Reduced by 23.8%, limiting job opportunities in an already struggling economy.
- Agriculture: Reduced by 5.1%, threatening food security in the state.
Additionally, national schemes meant to uplift marginalized communities have suffered severe cuts:
- Samagra Shiksha Scheme: Reduced by 1.5%.
- OBC Scholarships: Reduced by 22.9%.
- National Food Security Scheme: Reduced by 23.7%.
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Reduced by 48.3%.
- Nirbhaya Fund for Women’s Safety: Slashed by 45.5%, despite the increase in crimes against women.
Comparison with Tamil Nadu’s Welfare Model
Dr. Srikumar contrasted the BJP-led Union Government’s handling of Manipur with the Dravidian Model of Governance in Tamil Nadu, where women’s welfare, education, and employment are prioritized. She lauded the Kalaignar Women’s Entitlement Scheme, free bus passes for women, and the breakfast program for school children as examples of effective governance.
Demands for Immediate Action
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Srikumar called on the Union Government to take immediate and concrete steps to restore peace in Manipur, ensuring:
- A transparent investigation into the violence and human rights violations.
- Increased deployment of security forces to prevent further bloodshed.
- A fair distribution of funds for education, health, and relief efforts.
- A visit from the Prime Minister to reassure the people of Manipur.
- Stronger border control to prevent external infiltration.
“One sister State among the seven sisters is waiting with hope that the Union Government will put off the fire in that burning State,” Dr. Srikumar urged. “The people of Manipur deserve justice.”
As the crisis in Manipur persists, all eyes remain on the Union Government, whose response will determine not only the fate of the state but also its commitment to national integrity, democracy, and human rights.
