02-08-2023 : The INDIA bloc, a delegation of Opposition leaders, held a crucial meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday to discuss the grave situation in Manipur, a violence-hit state in Northeast India. Led by Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the delegation submitted a memorandum signed by all representatives, including prominent figures like Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Kanimozhi, and Sanjay Raut. The delegation also included Members of Parliament (MPs) who visited Manipur on July 29-30 to assess the ground situation firsthand.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur has raised serious concerns among the Opposition, leading to their continued demand for a comprehensive statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the prevailing violence. Addressing the media after the meeting with President Murmu, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the main demand of the INDIA delegation – a visit by Prime Minister Modi to Manipur. The delegation apprised the President of the atrocities against women, the rehabilitation situation, and other pressing issues in the state.
One of the most distressing incidents that caught international attention was a viral video showing women being paraded naked in Manipur. The delegation emphasized that the state administration had failed to promptly address this heinous act, and further stated that it was just one of several cases of atrocities against women in the region. The delegation urged President Murmu’s intervention to restore normalcy in Manipur, where law and order have severely deteriorated.
In their plea, the opposition bloc recommended nominating two Manipuri women to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, as a step towards rectifying the harm inflicted on women in the state. They believe that this representation would bring attention to the plight of women in Manipur and potentially lead to better policies for their welfare and safety.
The ongoing protests and disruptions in Parliament are a testament to the gravity of the situation in Manipur. Since the Monsoon session began on July 20, the issue has been at the forefront of the opposition’s demands, leading to continuous adjournments of Lok Sabha proceedings. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm due to opposition members persisting with their protests on the Manipur issue. Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, opposition leaders walked out after their notices for suspension of the listed business and a discussion on the Manipur issue were not admitted by the Chair.
Looking ahead, the Lok Sabha is set to debate a no-confidence motion moved by the opposition starting from August 8. Prime Minister Modi is expected to reply to the debate on August 10. Opposition leaders are stressing the precedence and rules of the Lok Sabha, urging that the no-confidence motion takes precedence over all other government business, highlighting the urgency of addressing the concerns surrounding Manipur.