The Congress on Tuesday, September 3, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his maiden visit to Brunei. Following his Brunei trip, PM Modi will fly to Singapore. Calling PM Modi a “frequent flyer,” Congress remarked that the Prime Minister can visit foreign nations but has not addressed the crisis in violence-torn Manipur. “The non-biological PM is making what is being billed as a ‘historic’ visit to Brunei, followed by Singapore. When will our frequent flyer make a ‘humanitarian’ visit to the troubled state of Manipur?” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned in a social media post.

Ramesh also pointed out that the people affected by violence in Manipur continue to live in dire conditions in refugee camps. He stated, “The situation in Manipur remains very tense, despite contrary claims by the CM of Manipur. It has been exactly 16 months since the violence erupted, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands who live in abysmal conditions in relief camps.”

“It is unbelievable that Mr. Narendra Modi has not yet found the time or the inclination to visit the state and engage with political parties, civil society groups, and the local population,” Ramesh added.

On Tuesday, PM Modi started his maiden visit to Brunei and will subsequently visit Singapore. “Over the next two days, I will be visiting Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. During the various engagements in these nations, the focus will be on further deepening India’s ties with them,” PM Modi posted on social media.