FM Nirmala Sitharaman says committed to bring normalcy in Manipur

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assures support for Manipur's economic growth, emphasising commitment to restoring normalcy and peace in the State.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday (March 18) said the Central Government is committed to bringing normalcy to Manipur and assured all support for the economic growth of the State.

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Replying to a discussion on the passage of the Manipur Budget for the current fiscal and vote of account for the six months of 2025-26 in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister also sought the support of the Opposition parties for peace in Manipur instead of engaging in the blame game.

The senior Minister also hit back at the Opposition for its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi not visiting the violence-affected State, saying none of the Prime Ministers in the past visited Manipur when the violence took place there. She cited the names of former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and I.K. Gujral.

She said violence in Manipur has adversely impacted economic activities in the State but expressed confidence that it will recover swiftly.

Responding to the Opposition criticism of not paying the required focus to Manipur, she said the Union Home Minister and Minister of State for Home visited the State as part of the Centre’s efforts to bring normalcy.

“We extend the fullest support to the State...so that the recovery of Manipur will be sooner than later...We are, all of us here, committed to getting that State back to some normalcy and we want that State to grow and prosper as much as any other State,” Ms. Sitharaman asserted.