Candlelight protest in Guwahati demands dismissal of Manipur govt over unrest
Guwahati: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) staged a candlelight protest in Guwahati, demanding the dismissal of the Manipur government over its failure to control the ongoing violence in the state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest held at Dighali Pukhuri was organized in response to the escalating unrest in Manipur, where over 20 people were killed in November alone.
The Congress leaders criticized both the BJP-led state government in Manipur and the BJP-led Indian government for their inaction amid worsening communal violence and lawlessness. Speaking at the rally, Debabrata Saikia, Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, condemned the government’s handling of the situation, which has seen violent clashes, the burning of houses belonging to Manipur’s MLAs, and widespread unrest.
“Violence has raged for 18 months with no intervention from the government. Law and order has completely broken down, and both the state and central governments are failing to restore peace,” Saikia said, calling for President’s Rule in the state and the dismissal of Chief Minister Biren Singh.
Abdul Khaleque, former Member of Parliament, also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the crisis. “The Prime Minister tweets on a range of issues daily, but when it comes to Manipur, he only spoke briefly in Parliament. Since then, he’s remained silent, while the state burns,” Khaleque said, adding that Modi was neglecting the situation as violence continues unabated.
The protest follows a recent surge in violence in Manipur, which has seen violent mob attacks, including the burning of the homes of local politicians. Curfews and internet shutdowns have been imposed as authorities struggle to contain the unrest.
The Congress leaders have called on the Indian government to take urgent action to address the growing crisis in Manipur and ensure justice for the victims of the violence.
