'Manipur burns while Delhi barricades': Shiv Sena (UBT) targets Centre in Saamana editorial

The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Wednesday criticised the Centre over the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur accusing the BJPled government of prioritising security arrangements in New Delhi over efforts to restore peace in the northeastern stateIn an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana the party questioned the governments response to recurring attacks in Manipur contrasting the security deployment in Delhi during political protests with the continuing violence affecting civilians in the stateSaamana questions Centres prioritiesThe editorial argued that the presence of governments led by the BJP at both the Centre and the state level had failed to ensure lasting peace in Manipur It accused the authorities of relying heavily on security deployments without adequately addressing the underlying tensions between communitiesThe ethnic conflict which erupted in May 2023 has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced thousands of people Recent attacks have renewed concerns about the security situation and the prospects for lasting reconciliationFresh killings trigger protests in ImphalThe editorials criticism comes amid renewed violence in Manipur On October 19 three Meitei men were killed in an ambush in the Sunurok hills near the boundary of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts The attack targeted a group of 14 villagers who were collecting firewood according to reportsThe killings triggered protests in Imphal with demonstrators bringing the victims bodies to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to protest the governments handling of the security situationDisplaced families continue to face uncertaintyThe Saamana editorial highlighted the plight of people displaced by the prolonged conflict saying many continue to live in relief camps under difficult conditionsThousands of displaced Manipuris continue to languish in overcrowded substandard government relief camps trapped in constant fear for their lives Heavy security forces are deployed yet armed groups clash at will with assault weapons Sending security contingents is treated as the end of the governments duty while grassroots trustbuilding remains entirely missing noted the editorialThe party argued that security operations alone would not resolve the crisis without efforts to rebuild trust among communities and address the concerns of affected residentsParty draws comparison with Delhi security measuresThe editorial also criticised the extensive security arrangements imposed during antigovernment demonstrations in New Delhi describing the capitals streets as heavily barricaded and militarisedIt alleged that the Centre was deploying substantial resources to contain political protests while failing to prevent recurring attacks arson and killings in Manipurs vulnerable areasThackeray camp questions government responseQuestioning the governments response to the violence the editorial said Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Manipur had not resulted in lasting improvements on the groundLet Manipur burn but Delhi must be saved and the government must surviveThe editorial concluded by questioning whether Manipur was receiving the same attention and protection as the national capitalldquoIs Manipur not a part of India just like Delhi While the government deploys massive strength in Delhi why is the same force not applied to Manipur Manipur is burning over and over again Who will stop this inferno