Congress questions central government’s ‘silence’ on drone strikes in Manipur – ThePrint – PTIFeed

Imphal, Sept 2 (PTI) – The Congress on Monday questioned the central government's silence on the use of drones in militant attacks that left two people killed and nine others injured in a village in Manipur's Imphal West district.

If bombs are dropped using drones, it is a matter of national security as the Raj Bhavan and the Prime Minister's residence may not be safe, O Ibobi Singh, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, said at a press conference.

The BJP government in the state has failed to protect people's lives, alleged Singh, a former three-time chief minister.

He said, “Who is protecting people's lives and property? Why is the central government silently investigating such acts? Where is the democratically elected government in the state?” The recent development in Koutruk has shown that modern technology used in warfare in Ukraine and Israel is now being used in Manipur too, Singh said.

Koutruk, about 18 kilometres from the state capital Imphal, has been the scene of several attacks since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year. The clashes left more than 200 people dead and thousands homeless.

He said, “Now it is a question of national security. Are the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's bungalows safe from drone attacks? If these two complexes are not safe, then what about the rest of the people?” The Congress leader wonders if the central government is ignoring Manipur because it is a small state.

“We are not demanding presidential rule, but why is the central government a mute spectator?” he said. PTI COR NN

This report is auto-generated by PTI News Service. ThePrint takes no responsibility for its content.