Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Criticizes PM Modi Over Manipur Amid ISRO’s Space Mission Plans
New Delhi, India – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting he should address the situation in Manipur before considering a space mission. This comment came after ISRO Chief S Somnath mentioned that PM Modi could be a candidate for India’s first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2025.
Ramesh posted on ‘X’ on July 4, stating, “Before He goes into space, the non-biological Pradhan Mantri should go to Manipur.”
Before He goes into space, the non-biological Pradhan Mantri should go to Manipurhttps://t.co/ILVyolIVk2 — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 4, 2024
ISRO Chief S Somnath expressed pride in the potential of sending the head of state to space, emphasizing the importance of developing a human spaceflight program. The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three into a 400 km orbit for a 3-day mission, returning safely to Indian waters.
Meanwhile, the central government faces criticism from opposition MPs over ethnic violence in Manipur, which began in May 2023. PM Modi assured the Rajya Sabha that efforts are ongoing to normalize the situation, with over 11,000 FIRs registered and more than 500 arrests made. He highlighted that schools, colleges, and offices are operational, and dialogues with stakeholders are in progress to restore peace.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed Manipur’s security situation, stressing the strategic deployment of central forces to ensure peace and tranquility.
