Assam CM Criticizes Rahul Gandhi’s Suggestion of Army Intervention in Manipur

New Delhi, August 11, 2023: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has challenged Rahul Gandhi’s proposal for restoring peace in Manipur, asserting that the solution should arise from empathy rather than military intervention.

Sarma questioned Gandhi’s suggestion of involving the Indian Army, recalling a similar situation in Aizawl where violence escalated after an Indian Air Force operation. “Is this his prescription?” Sarma questioned, emphasizing that military intervention may only provide temporary relief.

Sarma’s comments came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the Indian Army could quell the unrest in Manipur within two days, but deployment wasn’t being pursued.

Gandhi clarified that he wasn’t advocating for direct military involvement, but rather highlighting the available tools at the government’s disposal to address the situation. He attributed the lack of action to Prime Minister Modi’s reluctance, suggesting multiple reasons for the hesitancy.

The Manipur situation, marked by unrest and ethnic tensions, has prompted differing views on how to ensure peace and stability. While Gandhi’s comments invoked the potential of military intervention, Sarma stressed the importance of addressing the issue with compassion and understanding.

As the debate continues, the focus remains on finding a lasting solution that addresses the concerns of the people in Manipur while maintaining the principles of non-violence.