'Violence declining'; Modi breaks silence in Manipur issue

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said in the Rajya Sabha that the central government was making continuous efforts to restore peace in Manipur. He also said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is constantly interfering in the matter.

"Do not play politics in the Manipur issue. Today, schools, colleges, offices and other institutions are open in the state. Central & State governments are talking to all stakeholders to restore peace. The Union Home Minister stayed there for many weeks," Modi said.

"The government is continuously making efforts to normalise the situation in Manipur. More than 11,000 FIRs have been registered and over 500 people arrested. Incidents of violence are continuously reducing in Manipur. The people of Manipur will reject the politics of hate," Modi added.

Lashing out at the opposition, Modi alleged that some people were deliberately trying to black out the massive victory of the NDA. He also said that a decisive decision will be taken against poverty in the next five years.

Meanwhile, the opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during the Prime Minister's speech. After that, Modi charged that the opposition was disrespecting the constitution by leaving the Rajya Sabha.