Building India also includes building Manipur: Congress MP Alfred Arthur in Lok Sabha

Congress MP Alfred Arthur

Partaking in the discussion in Lok Sabha, a day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the budget for Manipur, Congress MP from outer Manipur, Alfred Arthur said that the budget did not prioritise the rebuilding needs of a state ravaged by one of the worst ethnic clashes in recent decades. He added that building India also includes building the northeastern state of Manipur.

The Centre on Monday envisaged an expenditure of Rs 35,103.90 crore, up from Rs 32,656.81 crore in the current financial year. The budget provides for over Rs 2,000 crore under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and Rs 9,520 crore for social sector outlay. For relief and rehabilitation for internally displaced persons, Rs 15 crore has been provided for temporary shelter to them; Rs 35 crore towards housing for displaced people, Rs 100 crore for relief operation, and Rs 7 crore for compensation.

In no uncertain terms, the Congress MP reasoned that the nation has no qualms about the big infrastructure projects that are undertaken in major metro cities. However, basic infrastructure needs of a key northeastern state-- Manipur also needs equal attention. He also expressed displeasure over the timely release of MGNREGA funds. He also underlined that the Centre hasn't done anything for improving the agrarian facilities of the state. "Agriculture, horticulture are two big focus areas in our state. However, the Centre hasn't done anything to ramp up opportunities in these two crucial segments," remarked Arthur.

Additionally, for relief and rehabilitation for internally displaced persons, the buget on Monday allocated Rs 15 crore has been provided for temporary shelter to them; Rs 35 crore towards housing for displaced people, Rs 100 crore for relief operation, and Rs 7 crore for compensation. A budgetary allocation of Rs 2,866 crore for 2025-26 has been made towards incentives for police personnel posted in sensitive areas.

Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka claimed BJP removed Manipur's former Chief Minister N Biren Singh due to Congress pressure, calling it an admission of governance failure. He criticised BJP's handling of the crisis and accused it of divisive politics. Since the imposition of President’s Rule, the Congress has been monitoring the situation and preparing for elections. The party said it is ready to contest and believes that voters in Manipur will hold the BJP accountable.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, in which more than 200 people have lost their lives. The state is still far from returning to normalcy.

The protracted violence sparked a huge political firestorm amid continuous political pressure from the state's Opposition Congress which accused the Central and the state governments of taking no step to bring the situation under control and reassure the people. The party also made repeated demands for the Chief Minister's resignation