The Aam Aadmi Party has intensified its criticism of Narendra Modi over his response to the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur, accusing him of remaining silent despite escalating violence in the state. The remarks come at a time when tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities have sharply risen following a deadly incident earlier this month.
The immediate trigger for the latest wave of unrest was a suspected rocket attack on April 7 in Bishnupur district, which killed two young children and left their mother critically injured. The incident sparked widespread anger among locals, leading to retaliatory violence, including the burning of oil tankers and a truck passing through the area. Residents have demanded swift action against those responsible, further intensifying the already fragile situation.
In response to the incident, protests have erupted across multiple districts. A major demonstration was organised in Imphal by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam. The protests turned confrontational in some areas, with security forces using tear gas to disperse crowds after curfew restrictions were reportedly violated.
The unrest has also led to a five-day shutdown across valley districts, beginning April 18. The shutdown, supported by civil society groups and the Meira Paibis, has brought daily life to a standstill. Large gatherings, including night rallies, have been reported in districts such as Imphal East and Imphal West, while sporadic clashes between protesters and security personnel have occurred in places like Kakching.
Authorities have increased security deployment across sensitive areas, warning that anti-social elements could exploit the protests to incite further violence. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely in an effort to prevent escalation.
The current tensions are part of a larger and ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur that began in May 2023. The violence initially erupted following protests against a proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. Since then, the conflict has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people, leaving deep divisions between communities.
Against this backdrop, the AAP’s criticism reflects broader political concerns over the handling of the crisis, as calls grow for stronger intervention and more visible leadership to restore peace and stability in the region.
