When will our frequent flyer make 'humanitarian' visit to Manipur: Cong's dig at PM
New Delhi (PTI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Brunei and Singapore, the Congress took a swipe at him on Tuesday, asking when will "our frequent flyer" make a 'humanitarian' visit to the troubled state of Manipur.
Prime Minister Modi is visiting Brunei on September 3-4 at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all existing sectors.
He is slated to visit Singapore on September 4-5 at the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The non-biological PM is making what is being billed as a 'historic' visit to Brunei, after which he goes to Singapore. When is our frequent flyer going to make a 'humanitarian' visit to the troubled state of Manipur?"
The situation in Manipur continues to be very tense, despite claims to the contrary being made by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, he said.
"Today is exactly 16 months since the eruption of violence in Manipur, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands of people who live in abysmal conditions in relief camps," Ramesh said in a post on X.
"It is beyond belief that Mr. Narendra Modi has still not found the time or the inclination to go to the state and interact with political parties, civil society groups, and the people themselves," he said.
Ramesh also tagged a media report which quoted an emissary appointed by Biren Singh to bridge the gap between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities as saying that it was "difficult to mediate amid violence" in an "environment which is not conducive for talks".
The Congress on Friday had wondered why Prime Minister Modi can't be the peacemaker by visiting violence-hit Manipur when he is going "all over the world" trying to play that role.
Ramesh had asserted that the Manipur chief minister has "lost all credibility" and things cannot improve under him.
Ramesh's remarks had come in response to Singh's interview to PTI in which the chief minister has promised to fully restore peace in the state in six months with the Centre's help, and also ruled out stepping down, saying he has neither committed a crime nor spawned a scandal.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed more than 200 lives in Manipur since May last year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bangladeshi, Rohingya infiltration major threat to Jharkhand: PM Modi
Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand of patronising Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration for vote bank politics.
He said infiltrators from the neighbouring country are a major threat to Jharkhand as they are changing the demography of the Santhal Parganas and Kolhan regions of the state.
"Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators have become a major threat to Santhal Parganas and Kolhan regions. The demography of these regions is changing fast. The tribal population is on the decline. The infiltrators are establishing control of the panchayat system, grabbing land, indulging in atrocities on daughters of the state...Each Jharkhand resident is feeling unsafe," the prime minister said while addressing the 'Parivartan Maharally' of the BJP at Gopal Maidan here.
He also alleged that the JMM was "supporting infiltrators" and the fact was that "illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country managed to establish influence" over the ruling party in the state.
Modi termed the JMM, RJD and the Congress as the "biggest enemies of Jharkhand", asserting that these parties were "power-hungry" and "indulged in vote bank politics".
The PM also alleged, "The JMM-led government has been trained by Congress' school of corruption. It is time to bid farewell to the JMM that looted mines, minerals and Army land."
Modi, who was scheduled to reach Jamshedpur via a chopper, had to travel to the steel city on the road as his helicopter could not take off due to inclement weather conditions.
"No obstacles, including heavy rain, could prevent me from reaching you, I am touched by your affection," he said.
He also asserted that the BJP is set to come to power in the state after the assembly polls due later this year.
"If the BJP comes to power, it will launch a probe into deaths of aspirants during excise constable recruitment drive," he said.
Modi accused the JMM-led coalition of targeting BJP leaders and framing false cases against them.
