Garcetti Manipur

Imphal, July 07: In response to a question regarding the recent violence in Manipur, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, who was in Kolkata, stated that the United States is prepared to offer assistance if asked to help resolve the crisis. He emphasized that peace is essential for the prosperity of the northeastern region and expressed the US’s willingness to contribute to peacebuilding efforts.

While Garcetti acknowledged that this is an internal matter of India, he highlighted the US’s concern for human welfare. However, his statement drew a surprised response from Congress MP Manish Tewari, who remarked that it is uncommon for a US envoy to make such remarks about the internal affairs of another country.

Garcetti asserted, “You don’t have to be an Indian to care when children or individuals die in this sort of violence. We know peace is a precedent for so many good things. There has been so much progress in the Northeast and the East…We stand ready to assist in any way if asked. We know it’s an Indian matter and we pray for that peace and that it may come quickly. Because we can bring more collaboration, more projects, more investment if that peace is in place.”

In response, Manish Tewari referenced past challenges in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast and noted that US ambassadors had previously been cautious in their statements.

He tweeted, “We faced challenges in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast over the decades and surmounted those with sagacity and wisdom. Even when Robin Raphel would be loquacious on J&K in the 1990s, the US Ambassadors in India were circumspect.”

Tewari further added, “I doubt if the new US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, is cognizant of the convoluted and torturous history of US-India relations and our sensitivity about interference, perceived or real, well-intentioned or mal-intentioned, into our internal affairs.”

The situation in Manipur remains tense, with sporadic incidents of violence occurring in the state even two months after ethnic violence broke out on May 3 between the Meitei and other communities. Tragically, the months-long violence has resulted in over 100 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries.

Also Read: Tragic Loss: Tripura Woman Dies as House Wall Collapses in Heavy Rainfall

While Garcetti’s offer of assistance reflects the US’s concern for peace and stability in Manipur, Tewari’s surprise at the statement reflects India’s historical sensitivity to external involvement in its internal affairs.

As the situation in Manipur continues to demand attention, it remains crucial for domestic stakeholders to work together to find a lasting resolution and restore peace to the region. International support, when provided with sensitivity and respect for sovereignty, can play a positive role in facilitating dialogue and fostering peace.