Sharad Pawar Warns Of Manipur-like Situation in Maharashtra, Says ‘It’s Avoided Because…’

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sharad Pawar on Sunday expressed concerns about the potential for Manipur-like violence in Maharashtra. However, the veteran politician stresses that the legacy of many stalwarts, who “promoted harmony”, prevent such conflicts from happening in Maharashtra.

The Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) chief, while addressing a public event in Navi Mumbai, also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their alleged failure to contain the violence in Manipur. 

“This happened in Manipur. It also happened in the neighbouring states. It also happened in Karnataka. In recent times, there has been concern that it will happen in Maharashtra too. Fortunately, Maharashtra has a legacy of many stalwarts who promoted harmony and equality,” Pawar said, according to an India Today report. 

The senior leader’s statement came amidst rising tensions in Maharashtra over various issues, including quota protests by Maratha and OBC communities.

Further talking about unrest in the northeastern state, Pawar said, “Manipur was mentioned in someone’s conversation with me. It was discussed in the Parliament of the country. People of various castes, religions, and languages of Manipur came to Delhi to meet us. And what did the picture they showed us convey?”

“The Manipuris, who have lived together for generations, maintaining harmony, are not ready to talk to each other today,” he added.

Slamming the government’s response in handling the situation in Manipur, the senior leader said that it was the responsibility of the state to address this issue and maintain law and order.

“But unfortunately, today’s rulers have not even looked at it. After all that happened, he never thought that the Prime Minister of the country should go there and provide relief to the people,” he said, as per the India Today report.

Manipur plunged into violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. Since then some 200 people have been killed and thousands displaced.