Leader of opposition in Assam assembly, Debabrata Saikia has written to prime minister Narendra Modi about the prevailing situation in Manipur and asked him to ‘remind’ Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh of his ‘raj dharma’.
Saikia, in his letter on June 28, wrote to PM Modi asking him to “remind” Biren Singh about his “raj dharma” like the way then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee reminded Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat during the 2002 riots.
The Assam Congress leader further asked PM Modi to take decisive action to restore peace in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
“It is indeed noteworthy that the maximum number of Union ministers have visited the Northeast during your tenure, signaling your government’s commitment to the region’s progress. However, the recent turmoil in Manipur since 3rd May demands immediate attention,” Saikia wrote in his two-page letter.
“The situation in Manipur has deteriorated due to recent developments, particularly concerning the demands for reservations by the majority Meitei community. This has led to a lack of trust and growing tensions within the communities. The elected government of Manipur has failed to address these issues effectively, leaving the residents of Manipur in a state of distress and uncertainty. The people of Manipur are looking forward to aid and intervention from the central government due to the lack of action taken by the elected government of Manipur,” he wrote.
Saikia then went on to mention about political campaigns where the prime minister and the home minister took part recently. “The prime minister and the home minister should prioritize the safety and well-being of the population instead of focusing solely on party campaigning,” he wrote.
Reminding the actions taken by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Saikia wrote: “I urge you to remind the chief minister of Manipur, Shri Biren Singh, to observe the principles of Raj Dharma, just as you were reminded by the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji over two decades ago. It is crucial for elected officials to uphold their responsibilities and take necessary actions to restore peace and harmony in the region.”
He urged the Centre to “rise above party politics” and take prompt action to restore peace in Manipur. “By doing so, we can instill confidence and belief in the nation and its constitutional framework. The people of Manipur, who have been living peacefully in the region, deserve a safe and secure environment where they can prosper and contribute to the nation’s progress,” he concluded.
