'Criminal apathy': INDIA bloc demands Shah's resignation at Manipur protest

The Opposition INDIA bloc escalated its attack on the BJP-led government on Monday, staging a sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar to demand immediate intervention in Manipur, a state that has been engulfed in violence and chaos for 19 months.

The protest marked a pointed critique of what the Opposition called the government’s "criminal apathy" and failure to uphold constitutional rights in the northeastern state.

Protesting MPs decried the crumbling state apparatus, citing rampant extortion, unavailability of medicines, and spiralling inflation. They accused the BJP government of turning a blind eye to the fundamental rights of people, particularly the Right to Life and Property, and leaving the youth and marginalised communities in despair.

In a sharply-worded resolution, the INDIA bloc put forth a series of demands:

1. Prime minister's accountability: The bloc urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur immediately, asserting that his personal intervention was critical to restoring peace and maintaining the state’s territorial integrity. They held him accountable for the violence and instability that have plagued Manipur under his watch

2. Union home minister's resignation: The Opposition demanded Union home minister Amit Shah’s resignation, accusing him of failing to contain the unrest and ensure public safety

3. Dismissal of Manipur chief minister: The protesters urged the immediate sacking of chief minister N. Biren Singh, alleging he has allowed Manipur to descend into "a state of lawlessness and despair"

4. Comprehensive peace plan: The INDIA bloc demanded the formation of a robust and inclusive strategy to address the socio-political and economic crisis in the state

The INDIA bloc vowed to sustain its democratic struggle until Manipur witnesses peace and stability. “This is not just a crisis of governance; it’s a moral and political failure of the BJP government," the bloc declared in its resolution. "We will work tirelessly to rebuild Manipur’s fabric of unity, transcending caste, creed, and ethnicity.”

The sit-in drew attention to the BJP’s inability to provide relief to Manipur’s citizens, as political observers noted that the issue has the potential to become a significant flashpoint in the Opposition’s broader critique of the Central government.

The message was clear: the Opposition will not relent until the BJP government is held accountable for what it calls a "failure to govern and protect". As Manipur’s plight continues, the question looms: how long can the government sidestep its responsibilities?

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the Manipur government to submit comprehensive details regarding buildings and properties damaged during the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. This includes structures that were burned, partially burned, looted, or unlawfully occupied.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and justice Sanjay Kumar also sought information on criminal actions initiated against individuals found to be unlawfully occupying these properties.