India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (15) that his government was working to end ethnic clashes in the country's remote northeast that have killed more than 150 people since May.
The federal government has deployed security forces to the hilly state bordering Myanmar governed by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to quell the violence, which comes as he is looking to secure a third term in a general election due by May next year.
"For some days now, we are getting reports of extended peace. The country is with the people of Manipur. The country wants the people of Manipur to hold on to the peace of the last few days and take it forward," Modi said in an Independence Day speech from the ramparts of New Delhi's Red Fort.
The violence between members of the majority Meitei ethnic group and minority Kuki began over competition for government benefits linked to education, jobs and influence.
Among those killed have been 21 women. Numerous incidents of rape have grabbed global attention and raised questions about the ability of the BJP to ensure security.
But Modi said the conflict had abated and the relative peace in recent days "must continue".
"This will pave the way for a resolution -- it can only be found through peace," he said.
"All Indians are with the people in Manipur and the state and central governments are working for peace."
The government defeated an opposition vote of no-confidence motion over the handling of the conflict last Thursday (10).
"The state and federal governments are working very hard and will continue to work hard to resolve this peacefully," Modi said.
Congress MP and Modi's chief political opponent, Rahul Gandhi, accused the prime minister of being "set on burning the whole country" by failing to bring the conflict under control.
Civil rights group in Manipur say thousands of people who have fled from their homes are too scared to return and the restoration of normalcy requires financial aid and legal support.
Manipur state chief minister hoisted India's tri-colour flag in the capital city of Imphal to commemorate Independence Day and there were no immediate reports of violence, officials said.
Tuesday was Modi's last address from the centuries-old monument in the heart of Delhi before general elections next year, where he will seek a third successive term in office.
Modi remains popular and is widely expected to win the general election next year, but will face an invigorated coalition of disparate opposition parties campaigning on cost of living issues.
In his address on Tuesday, Modi listed the social, economic and pro-poor policies implemented during his nine years of rule and said his commitment to growth and making India an economic powerhouse would be sustained after securing a third term.
India's economy overtook that of Britain last year, and Modi told the thousands of students, soldiers and foreign dignitaries in his audience that the country would become the world's third-largest economy if he was returned to power.
He also announced new policies ahead of the poll, including a $2 billion training package for workers and an expansion of subsidised pharmaceuticals for low-income earners.
Leaders from Indian opposition parties' alliance called "INDIA" said Modi's Independence Day speech will be his last as his party will be routed in the general elections.
"Modi's failure in last nine years can be categorised under bad policies, injustice and perhaps most importantly ill intention," said Jairam Ramesh, a federal lawmaker from the opposition Congress party.
"Rhetoric and bluster can no longer cover up this truth which is now evident to the entire country," he said in a statement.
(Agencies)
Damian Talbot