At the India Today Conclave held in Mumbai, Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha, candidly shared his views on various issues and also took aim at the ruling BJP government. He voiced his frustration on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on global diplomacy while overlooking the unrest in Manipur. Gogoi questioned why the same energy spent in diplomatic endeavors between Russia and Ukraine is not applied to addressing the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave session, Gogoi said that resolving the ethnic conflict in Manipur, which has been ongoing since last May, requires the Prime Minister’s direct involvement. He pointed out that while Prime Minister Modi is seeking solutions between Russia and Ukraine, talking to US President, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he is not engaging with the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur to foster peace.
Gogoi criticized PM Modi for traveling worldwide to establish peace while neglecting to visit Manipur to address the violence there. He lamented the breakdown of ethnic harmony in the region, highlighting his disappointment as someone who has seen positive political contributions in Assam. He expressed his heartbreak over the current environment in the northeast, where people are filled with hatred and unable to coexist.
Call for PM's Leadership
Gogoi further emphasized that restoring peace in Manipur cannot be delegated to others. He urged, “What is Prime Minister Modi doing in Ukraine? He needs to be an active PM. The responsibility of bringing peace cannot be handed over to the Home Minister or any national security advisor. The PM should act as the peacemaker, leader, and unifier.”
Gogoi added that the people of the northeast would welcome this intervention. He said, “I believe the people of the northeast will thank him. If he brings peace in Manipur and finds a pathway for reconciliation and understanding between the Meitei and Kuki communities, I will thank him.”
Geopolitical Significance of the Northeast
Discussing the broad geopolitical context, Gaurav Gogoi highlighted the significant role of the northeast in national security. He pointed out that issues in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar have a direct impact on the region. He stated, “The northeast is crucial not just for our unity and integrity but also for our national security.”
Gogoi stressed the need for greater attention to India's foreign policies related to its neighbors like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, alongside the Prime Minister’s global engagements.
Political Polarization
When asked about the growing polarization in Indian politics, Gogoi warned that ignoring real issues could lead to political consequences, similar to what happened in Sri Lanka. He cautioned, “If Congress and BJP and major political parties continue to fight without finding solutions, people will punish us.”
