| 14 July 2023
European Parliament Condemns Human Rights Situation in India's Manipur, India Rejects Resolution as "Unacceptable"
In a move that has sparked controversy and diplomatic tensions, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday addressing the human rights situation in India, with a particular focus on the recent clashes in Manipur. The resolution, titled 'India, the situation in Manipur,' was initiated by Pierre Larrouturou, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.
The European Parliament's resolution called on Indian authorities to take immediate action to curb the ethnic and religious violence in Manipur and ensure the protection of all religious minorities. However, India swiftly rejected the resolution, deeming it "unacceptable" and accusing the European Parliament of displaying a "colonial mindset."
India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, strongly criticized the resolution, stating that such interference in India's internal affairs was unacceptable. Bagchi asserted that the Indian authorities, including the judiciary, were fully aware of the situation in Manipur and were actively working to restore peace, harmony, and law and order in the region.
Bagchi also suggested that the European Parliament should focus on addressing its internal issues, implying that the resolution was an unwarranted intrusion into India's affairs. These comments by the Indian government reflect the strained relations between the two entities regarding the issue.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted India's position, emphasizing that the situation in Manipur was an internal matter and not subject to external interference. Kwatra stated that Indian officials were engaging with concerned EU parliamentarians to convey this message clearly.
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament voiced strong concerns about the ongoing violent clashes, particularly between the Kuki and Meitei communities, in Manipur. It called for independent investigations into the violence and urged all parties involved to refrain from making inflammatory statements. The MEPs also emphasized the need for trust-building measures and impartial mediation to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Furthermore, the resolution advocated for human rights to be an integral part of the EU-India partnership, including trade relations. It called for the reinforcement of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue and urged the EU and its member states to raise human rights concerns with India at the highest levels, focusing on issues such as freedom of expression, religion, and the shrinking space for civil society.
The timing of the resolution coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France, where he was invited by President Emmanuel Macron as the Guest of Honour at the country's Bastille Day Parade. The adoption of the resolution added another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions between India and the European Union.
The resolution's adoption by the European Parliament and the subsequent strong response from India highlight the differing perspectives on the situation in Manipur. While the European Parliament asserts the need for urgent action and external scrutiny, India maintains that it has the situation under control and rejects any external interference. The diplomatic ramifications of this clash of viewpoints remain to be seen as both sides stand firm in their positions.
Comments