Sikkim Chidambaram

Imphal, Oct 11: Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram expressed his severe dissatisfaction with the Central Government’s response to the ongoing crises in the northeastern states of Manipur and Sikkim. He used the social media platform X to convey his concerns, stating that “If Manipur is burning, Sikkim has been devastated by cloudburst and flooding. Both are small northeastern states that are crying for help. The eyes and ears of the central government are tightly shut.”

Chidambaram went on to criticize the fact that neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made visits to the flood-ravaged state of Sikkim, where more than 70 people have lost their lives, and many more remain missing.

“Neither the Hon’ble PM nor the Hon’ble HM has found the time to visit Sikkim and offer the people solace and succour. The sum offered to Sikkim, Rs 44 crore, has added humiliation to neglect. When will the central government realize that it is a government for all the states?” added Chidambaram in his Twitter post.

These strong remarks by the Congress leader highlight the urgency of the situation in Manipur and Sikkim and draw attention to what some perceive as a lack of appropriate response from the Central Government.

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Manipur, one of India’s northeastern states, has been facing a crisis that began on May 3, 2023. The state has witnessed ethnic violence, which has resulted in significant loss of life and property. Chidambaram’s reference to Manipur “burning” underscores the intensity of the situation in the region.

The situation in Manipur is further complicated by the presence of multiple insurgent groups, including Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar factions. These groups have contributed to instability in the state, and many of them have been under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with the Indian government since August 2008. The SoO agreement is intended to create a framework for negotiation and eventual resolution of issues.

While Manipur grapples with violence and insurgencies, the state of Sikkim has been hit by a different calamity. The region experienced cloudbursts and severe flooding, leading to extensive damage and a significant loss of life. According to reports, the natural disaster in Sikkim has claimed the lives of more than 70 people, with many others still missing.

P. Chidambaram’s critique of the Central Government’s response to these crises is multifaceted. He first calls attention to the severity of the problems in both states. Manipur is beset by violence and unrest, while Sikkim is grappling with a natural disaster that has resulted in numerous casualties and significant destruction.

He then goes on to express his disappointment with the absence of high-level visits from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to Sikkim. Such visits can provide solace and reassurance to the affected population, as well as demonstrate the government’s commitment to the region.