ANI
21 Oct 2026

New Delhi [India], October 21 (ANI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the continuing violence in Manipur, asking, 'Who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance?'

He also condemned the killing of four civilians in the latest violence and sought answers from the Centre on the restoration of peace and rehabilitation of displaced people in the state.

In a post on X, Kharge said that over 300 people had lost their lives since May 2023, while 24,530 people continued to live in relief camps under 'pathetic conditions'.

https://x.com/kharge/status/2112801362144849984?s=20

Kharge questioned the status of the Peace Committee constituted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June 2023 and sought details of the action taken on the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee.

He also raised concerns over the continued displacement of people and the safety, dignity and rehabilitation of women, children and displaced families.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kharge questioned who would take responsibility for the situation in Manipur despite President's Rule and a change of Chief Minister.

'After more than three years, over 300 deaths, President's Rule and a change of Chief Minister, who will take responsibility for this monumental failure of governance?' Kharge said.

He further accused the BJP of failing to ensure law and order, protect constitutional rights and safeguard national security in the strategically important border state.

'Manipur deserves justice, dignity, constitutional rights and lasting peace,' Kharge said, adding that the state's security and stability could not be held hostage to political expediency.

Earlier in the day, a total shutdown called by the Native People's Committee Manipur (NPCM) for 48 hours statewide from Monday midnight, demanding decisive security action against armed groups responsible for the attack in the Khongbal Tangkhul area that killed three Meitei people and injured several others, crippled normal life.

The shutdown covered both hill and valley districts, and protests are also continuing until the government demonstrates credible action towards meeting the committee's demands. Health services, religious activities and institutions, and essential services will be exempted.

Shops, markets, business establishments, banks, private offices and educational institutions-including schools, colleges and universities remained closed. Public and private transport vehicles were suspended except for police and government vehicles.

The shutdown, which began at midnight on October 19, led to the closure of educational institutions, banks, business establishments and private offices. Public transport services were also limited while attendance at government offices remained low.

Inter-state road transport was suspended, affecting road connectivity between Manipur and other parts of the country. Airline services, however, continued to operate normally.

Essential services, including healthcare, fire services, water supply, media activities and ritual-related functions, were exempted from the shutdown. The impact of the bandh was reported to be greater in the valley areas than in the hill districts. (ANI)