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Meiteis arrive at a relief camp in Imphal, Manipur, from Mizoram, on Sunday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his yet another monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast on Sunday, in which he announced a campaign, spoke about ‘rising numbers of pilgrims' owing to "our collective cultural awakening", natural calamities over past couple of months and much more.

While the PM spoke of rare and ancient artefacts returned by the US recently, of India's culture and heritage, and about meeting a Yoga enthusiast of over 100 years of age during his trip to France over his radio address, the Opposition reminded him of the turmoil in Manipur and his silence.

Members of social organisations in Bengaluru protest over violence against women in Manipur

Members of Opposition bloc INDIA said while the state government has completely failed to control the nearly three-month-long ethnic conflict in Manipur, the PM's "silence" has only shown his "brazen indifference" to the ongoing violence. In a memorandum submitted to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, the 21 opposition MPs who visited Manipur, demanded urgent rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people to bring peace and harmony to the state.

"From the reports of incessant firing and arson of houses in the last few days, it is established beyond doubt that the state machinery has completely failed to control the situation," it read. The continued internet ban for the past three months is aiding the unsubstantiated rumours, which is adding to the existing mistrust among the communities, the Parliamentarians said.

A Meitei woman with her child at the relief camp. Pics/PTI

"Silence of Hon'ble Prime Minister shows his brazen indifference to the violence in Manipur," they added. There is anger and a sense of alienation amongst all communities and it has to be addressed without delay, they said. The memorandum also stressed that the "failure of both the central and state governments" to protect the lives and properties of the people of the two communities is apparent from the figures of more than 140 deaths (over 160 deaths as per official records), over 500 injuries, burning of more than 5,000 houses and internal displacement of over 60,000 people.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh slammed Modi, and said, "While he is busy listening to his own voice and forcing down his ‘Mann ki Baat' on crores of Indians, the 21 MP delegation of Team INDIA is talking about Manipur ki Baat with the Governor of Manipur."

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