Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday expressed frustration over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on global diplomacy while neglecting the unrest in the northeastern state of Manipur. He questioned that while PM Modi is engaging in diplomatic efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, why isn’t the same energy being directed toward resolving the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave session, Gogoi said that a hands-on approach is needed from the Prime Minister to resolve the ethnic conflict plaguing Manipur since May last year.
“In recent times and over the last few days, all of us have talked about how Prime Minister Modi has gone to New York and is trying to broker a solution between Russia and Ukraine. He is talking to the US President, to Russian President Vladimir Putin, to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Why is the prime minister not putting the same effort in speaking to the Meiteis and the Kukis and telling them to come together?” questioned Gogoi.
He criticised PM Modi for “flying all across the world to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine” while failing to make a trip to Manipur to address the ongoing violence.
Gogoi lamented the breakdown of ethnic harmony in the region, recalling how he witnessed the positive role politics played in bridging divides in Assam.
“It breaks my heart that here in the northeast, we have created an environment where people can’t live side by side with each other… and there is visceral hate,” he said.
Calls for PM to Take Charge
Gogoi further emphasised that the responsibility of fostering peace in Manipur cannot be outsourced to others.
“What is Prime Minister Modi doing in Ukraine? He needs to be a hands-on prime minister. The issue of bringing about peace can’t be outsourced to the Union Home Minister or some National Security Advisor. PM needs to play the role of healer, statesperson, and bridger,” he urged.
Gogoi stated that such intervention would be welcomed and appreciated by the people of the northeast: “I think the people of northeast would thank him. I would thank him if he brings about peace in Manipur and brokers an understanding and a path of reconciliation between the Meiteis and Kukis.”
Northeast’s Geopolitical Importance
Touching on the broader geopolitical context, Gaurav Gogoi remarked on the northeast’s pivotal role in national security. He noted how issues in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar directly impact the region, saying, “The northeast is pivotal, not only to our unity and sense of integrity, but also to our national security.”
