Manipur Opposition Visit: Delegation Submits Memorandum to Governor, Slams PM Modi's 'Brazen Indifference'

NEW DELHI: The 21-member delegation of MPs belonging to the multi-party Opposition alliance Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on the second day of their Manipur visit met Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey to share their experience.

They had earlier expressed their fear that the situation in Manipur may turn into one posing a threat to national security.

The delegation of MPs from 16 opposition political parties is in Manipur for a two-day visit to assess the ground situation in the violence-hit state.

Submitting a memorandum to Governor Uikey, they requested her to take all effective measures for restoration of peace and harmony, to adopt means "where justice should be the cornerstone".

They said in the memorandum that rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons is most urgent in order to bring peace and harmony. “You are also requested to apprise the Union Government of the complete breakdown of law and order in Manipur for the last 89 days so as to enable them to intervene in the precarious situation in Manipur to restore peace and normalcy," it said.

During their visit, the delegation visited relief camps at Churachandpur, Moirang, and Imphal, and had interactions with the victims who are now inmates in the relief camps, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence shows "his brazen indifference to the violence in Manipur," the memorandum read, while citing figures of the resultant destruction in the ethnic conflict that has been continuing for over three months now.

The memorandum cited the failure of both the Central and state government in protecting the lives and properties of the people of the two warring communities, which it said, is apparent from the figures of over 140 deaths, above 500 injuries, burning down of more than 5,000 houses and with more than 60,000 people internally displaced.

The Opposition's memorandum to the Governor said that reports of incessant firing and arson of houses in the last few days has established, "beyond doubt", the complete failure of the govt machineries to control the situation for the last three months.

They said they found the conditions in the relief camps to be "pathetic to say the least," while adding that special care for children need to be taken on a priority basis. The delegation pressed the argument that the continued internet ban for the last three months has resulted in aiding the unsubstantiated rumours, adding to the existing mistrust.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev said at a press conference, they have given assurance to the people of the state that the opposition alliance stands with them at this hour and intends to fight till the last day of the monsoon session in Parliament, in order to "make the Prime Minister accountable" to Manipur.

"Coming from the northeastern states, one has the feeling that people will forget us in the Parliament," she said. She feared that the BJP will level accusations at the opposition of indulging in photo-op, causing disruption in the Parliament, and not wanting to debate the issue.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury informed that the Governor herself expressed her sorrow while meeting them.

Chowdhury added that the Governor also advised them to speak to all the leaders, Kuki or Meitei, to find means to a solution.

Earlier, Sushmita Dey said she had met one of the victims paraded naked in a video and was requested to pave the way for her to see father’s and brother’s bodies.

The BJP has not missed an opportunity to slam the Opposition MPs and instead pointed to the alleged crimes committed against women in Rajasthan and West Bengal, which are ruled by opposition parties. Union Minister Anurag Thakur said he intends to ask Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury if he supports the crimes against women in his state, West Bengal, after his return from Manipur.

Reports suggest that at least 180 people have died and thousands displaced since the violence broke out on May 3.

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