'BJP deliberately wants Manipur to burn': Mallikarjun Kharge
New Delhi (PTI): As fresh violence erupted in Manipur, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday alleged the ruling party deliberately wants the border state to burn as "it serves their hateful divisive politics".
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has cancelled his poll rallies in Maharashtra in view of the escalating violence in Manipur.
Kharge said the people of state will never forgive or forget that Prime Minister Narendra Modi left them to fend for themselves and never set foot in their state to heal their miseries.
"@narendramodi ji, Under your double engine governments, 'neither Manipur is one, nor is Manipur Safe'," the Congress president said in a post on X.
"Since May 2023, it is undergoing unimaginable pain, division and simmering violence, which has destroyed the future of its people.
"We are saying it with utmost responsibility that it looks that the BJP deliberately wants Manipur to burn, for it serves its hateful divisive politics," he said.
Kharge said at least 17 people have lost their lives since November 7, adding new districts are being added to the list of strife-torn regions and the fire is spilling over to bordering northeastern states.
"You have failed Manipur — a beautiful border state. Even if you visit Manipur in future, people of the state will never forgive or forget that you left them to fend for themselves, and never set foot in their state to heal their miseries and find a solution," the Congress chief said.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also termed the recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur "deeply disturbing".
He urged Prime Minister Modi to visit the state and work towards restoring peace in the region.
In a post on X, Gandhi said the recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing.
"After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and state governments would make every effort at reconciliation and found a solution," the former Congress chief said.
"I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region," he said.
A day after the bodies of three out of six missing persons were fished out of a river in Manipur, the protesters on Saturday attacked the residences of three state ministers and six MLAs, prompting the government to clamp prohibitory orders in five districts for an indefinite period besides suspending internet services in parts of the state.
In Imphal, angry protesters ransacked the houses of three legislators, including that of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's son-in-law, and set their properties on fire even as the security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitators.
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Over 26,000 aspirants participate in army recruitment rally in J&K’s Poonch
Poonch/Jammu (PTI): Over 26,000 young aspirants participated in a recruitment rally conducted by the army after a gap of five years in Jammu and Kashmir’s border district of Poonch, officials said on Sunday.
The recruitment rally commenced at Advance Landing Ground in Surankote on November 8 to fill 307 vacancies for soldier general duty and 45 vacancies for clerks and tradesmen in the Territorial Army, they said.
The rally was open to the candidates from 31 Tehsils of Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu districts, for soldier general duty while the candidates from entire Jammu and Kashmir were eligible to apply for clerks and tradesmen positions.
“Over 26,000 enthusiastic candidates across the region took part in the selection process, showcasing their physical and mental readiness to serve the nation during the 10-day rally,” said an official of the army recruitment office, expressing satisfaction over the response of the youth.
He said the recruitment drive was organized with the objective of providing employment opportunities and encouraging the youth to join the armed forces.
The aspirants underwent various physical tests, including a 1.6 km run, chin-ups and other endurance exercises, followed by medical examinations and documentation checks, the official said.
"The response from the local youth has been tremendous. It is heartening to see such enthusiasm and passion to join the Indian Army. We are committed to providing a fair and transparent selection process," an officer of the Territorial Army said.
He said around 4000 candidates have cleared the ground test and will participate in the medical examination.
The locals lauded the army for organizing the recruitment drive in the border district.
“This is a significant step towards addressing unemployment in the border areas and instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth,” said Syed Imtiaz Kazmi, a prominent citizen of Surankote.
The officials said the event was conducted with strict adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that the large gathering was managed smoothly.
The recruitment process is expected to continue for the next three days, they said, adding this recruitment rally marks yet another milestone in the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen its bond with people, providing new opportunities for the youth in the region that has historically faced challenges related to employment and development.
Many young aspirants expressed their hopes of securing a place in the prestigious armed forces, with dreams of serving the nation and supporting their families.
Mohd Asad, a local resident of Poonch, said that he joined the rally for the first time. “I am ready to serve the nation by joining the army,” he added.
Another aspirant Mohd Iqbal from Haveli area of Poonch thanked the army for providing them an opportunity to serve the nation.
