In a video message, the former leader of the Congress Party speaks of an “unprecedented” event that has “devastated” people’s lives, causing a “deep wound” in the nation’s conscience. People forced to flee their homes and brothers and sisters who have lived together peacefully for a long time and are now pushed to “turn against each other”. The responsibility of the central government and of the States, which “should” maintain law and order.
Delhi () – The escalation of violence in Manipur, relegated to the margins of national affairs for too many weeks, is beginning to worry even the highest authorities in the country. Yesterday, last in chronological order, spoke Sonia Gandhi, former president of the Indian Congress Party, who called for peace to put an end to ethnic and confessional tensions. What is happening is of an “unprecedented” magnitude, affirmed one of the most authoritative voices of the opposition party, and it has “devastated” people’s lives, leaving “a deep wound” in the conscience of the entire nation.
The Indian state of Manipur, in northeastern India, has been rocked since early May by serious acts of violence fueled by tensions between the Meitei ethnic group (predominantly Hindu) and the hill tribal communities (mostly Christian). . A few days ago, the Archbishop of Imphal also intervened, Monsignor. Dominic Lumon, and denounced that the confrontations continue while the State “is no longer there” and has lost control of the situation on the ground.
In a video message that Congress shared on social media yesterday, its former president and most charismatic figure expressed “sadness” that people are being forced to flee “the only place they called home.” The inhabitants, he continues, had to leave behind “everything they had built” throughout their lives. “It is heartbreaking – he says – to see our brothers and sisters who have lived peacefully turn against each other.”
Gandhi then explains that Manipur’s history testifies to its ability to welcome people of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds, offering “innumerable” possibilities in the context of a “diversified society” within. “Trust and good will are required – he warns – to feed the spirit of brotherhood, while a single misstep is enough to ignite the flames of hatred and division”. Today, he points out, our own country is “at a crossroads” where its very existence is at stake. “Our decision – says the leader of the Congress – to embark on the path of healing will determine the type of future that our children will inherit. I appeal to the people of Manipur, in particular to my brave sisters, to be able to bring peace and harmony to this most beautiful land.”
The former head of Congress said that, as a mother, she understands “her pain” and appealed to everyone’s conscience and goodwill to open the way for dialogue and peace between the different communities. “It is my sincere hope,” Gandhi said at the end of the video message, which lasted just over two minutes, “that in the coming weeks and months we will embark on the long journey of rebuilding trust and emerge stronger from this ordeal. I have immense hope and confidence in the people of Manipur and I know that together we will overcome this test.”
On the political and parliamentary front, Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indian People’s Party) of fueling “divisive politics” in Manipur. Its leaders attacked the central executive and the state administration which, in their opinion, have not complied with “their duty to maintain law and order” in the northeastern state.
