Will Establish Peace Again In Manipur: Modi

The government recognises the suffering of the people of Manipur, sees the crimes against women in the state as unacceptable, is committed to bringing perpetrators to justice, and will ensure that a new dawn of peace will arise in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Parliament on Thursday.

The PM added that India, and Parliament stand firmly with Manipur, and the government is committed to steering the state back to the path of development.

Modi contrasted the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's track record in boosting security and development in the North-East with that of past Congress governments, blaming the Opposition party for the problems in the region. He also pointed out that given the churn in global politics and the rise in importance of Southeast Asia, the importance of North-East states will grow in the years to come.

In a speech that lasted for two hours and 15 minutes, Modi first mentioned Manipur a little over 90 minutes into his speech, soon after the Opposition walked out claiming that he hadn't addressed the issue.

Modi referred to the "court judgment" in a reference to Manipur high court's decision to consider Meities of the valley as scheduled tribes that triggered unrest and opposition among tribals, particularly Kukis, of the hills as leading to the cycle of violence. "Many families have suffered. There have been grave crimes against women, this is unacceptable. Our government is committed to ensuring the strictest punishment against perpetrators," Modi said, adding that he wanted to assure the citizens that a new dawn of peace will arise in the state.

"I want to assure the people of Manipur that India is with you. Parliament is with you. We will together find a solution to this challenge. We will establish peace again. I assure the people of Manipur that we will spare no effort in returning the state to the path of development."