| 30 July 2023
A delegation of 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) from 16 parties comprising the Opposition bloc named the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) arrived in Manipur on Saturday to assess the aftermath of the ethnic clash that erupted on May 3, plunging the hill state into turmoil. With over 100 lives lost and more than 1,000 people displaced, the situation remains critical, prompting Opposition leaders to visit the strife-torn state. The visit, however, has intensified political tensions, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the MPs of politicizing the issue. Here are the top developments from the visit and the reactions it has elicited.
Opposition Leaders' Visit to Relief Camps
Upon landing in Imphal, the delegation of Opposition MPs wasted no time in heading to Churachandpur and Moirang to visit relief camps and meet the displaced citizens. West Bengal Congress Chief and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, expressed concern about the plight of those affected, remarking that the displaced individuals appeared fearful and disillusioned, doubting the government's willingness to provide adequate assistance.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who was also part of the delegation, called for a unifying effort by inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead an all-party delegation to the troubled state. He emphasized the importance of addressing the people's concerns and aspirations through a constructive dialogue in Parliament, involving representatives from various states.
Opposition Voices Concern Over Centre's Response
The delegation's visit stirred dissatisfaction among Opposition leaders, who expressed their disappointment that the government had not sent an official delegation to address the situation in Manipur. Trinamool Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Sushmita Dev lamented the lack of response from the Centre, highlighting the necessity for Opposition parties to step in and take action.
Reactions from BJP Leaders
In response to the Opposition's visit, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal accused the INDIA bloc MPs of using the situation for political gains and disregarding the government's willingness to hold discussions in Parliament. He urged the Opposition to refrain from politicizing the issue and instead collaborate for a productive dialogue.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and MP Manoj Tiwari dubbed the Opposition's visit as "political tourism," criticizing the delegation for allegedly focusing more on photo opportunities than on analyzing the situation on the ground. He echoed the government's call for discussions in Parliament as the appropriate platform to address the matter.
Demand for Separate Administration
Following the visit by the Opposition delegation, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), representing the tribal communities in Manipur, penned a letter to the INDIA bloc seeking their support for a separate administration and the implementation of President's rule in the violence-hit state. This demand adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis and underscores the significance of the Opposition's involvement in the matter.
The two-day visit by the Opposition bloc INDIA to Manipur has generated political tensions and divergent reactions from various parties. While the Opposition leaders have highlighted the need for addressing the concerns of the affected citizens and urged for inclusive dialogue in Parliament, the ruling BJP has accused them of political opportunism. Amidst the tensions, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum has added to the complexity by seeking a separate administration for the state. As Manipur continues to grapple with the aftermath of the ethnic clash, the role of politicians and the effectiveness of their actions will be under scrutiny, raising critical questions about the path to reconciliation and peace in the strife-torn state.
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