India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on its 77th independence day, highlighting the government’s efforts to restore peace in the state of Manipur. The Prime Minister assured the people of Manipur that the entire country stands with them during this challenging time. The state has recently experienced violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in numerous casualties and displacements. To find a lasting resolution, PM Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and working towards reconciliation.
PM Modi came under criticism for not addressing the situation in Manipur earlier. However, he mentioned in his speech that Manipur has been relatively peaceful in recent days due to the joint efforts of the state and federal governments. This statement followed a no-trust vote against the government where opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the ethnic clashes.
During his speech, the Prime Minister also spoke about the demographic and economic aspects of India. Reports suggested that India has surpassed China as the world’s most populous country with a population of 1.4 billion. PM Modi emphasized that India’s demography, democracy, and diversity are the country’s strengths. He expressed confidence in India becoming a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its independence.
However, the Prime Minister’s claims about India’s economic situation have been met with skepticism. While he stated that India has successfully controlled inflation, official data revealed a 15-month high retail inflation of 7.44% in July. Rising prices of essential commodities have disproportionately affected the middle and lower classes of the population.
PM Modi also addressed the natural calamities that have struck various states, particularly Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where heavy rainfall has caused flash floods and landslides, resulting in numerous fatalities. The Prime Minister assured that the state and federal governments would collaborate to support the affected people in rebuilding their lives.
This address by PM Modi not only demonstrates India’s commitment to restoring peace in Manipur but also highlights the country’s aspirations for economic growth and coping with natural disasters. However, it is essential to critically examine the government’s claims and follow-up on the actions taken to address the challenges faced by the people of Manipur and the broader population.
