Manipur MP Arthur slams budget as “anti-people” for ignoring 60,000 displaced citizens

Outer Manipur MP Alfred Kangam Arthur has strongly criticised the Manipur Budget, labeling it “anti-people” for failing to address the needs of over 60,000 people displaced due to ethnic clashes in the state. The MP emphasised that the budget neglects those who have lost their livelihoods, homes, and suffered damage worth over Rs 20,000 crore.

“I implore the conscience of this House once again. Give me the privilege of relinquishing my seat, and I will not return. It is painful to come here, speak repeatedly, and not be heard. It is equally painful to see that my words are not translated into action on the ground. To return home to an empty house, knowing that today’s budget fails to address the needs of those affected, is unbearable,” Arthur said.

The MP also pointed out that the budget lacks a separate section for the hills and valley, a mandatory provision. He questioned how the allocation of funds would be determined without this separation.

He requested the Finance Minister to reconsider the budget and allocate funds to support the affected communities.

“I request the Honourable Finance Minister to put this off and bring the actual budget so that we can go into the discussion of what is going to the hills and valley,” Arthur said.

The outer Manipur MP even accused the central government of not releasing the pending dues of NREGA. “The marginalised and poor of my constituency survive on NREGA, of which 50 per cent material component of 2023-24 has not been released and dues for 2 years have not been cleared,” he said.

He also criticised the Centre for not clearing payments for social assistance programmes, which has left the most vulnerable populations without aid.