In a critical turn of events, Members of Parliament (MPs) from the opposition INDIA bloc, comprising 26 parties, have embarked on a visit to the northeastern state of Manipur. Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, this visit comes in the wake of alarming ethnic clashes that have plagued the region since early May between the Meitis and Kukis. Amidst the ongoing violence, the BJP-led state government under N Biren Singh has faced severe backlash for its inability to quell the unrest, with similar criticism directed at the BJP-led central government for its perceived inaction.
As tensions rise and discontent grows, the INDIA MPs have taken a powerful stance in their protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the Manipur issue. Demonstrating their solidarity, they attended Parliament donning black attire, sending a strong message to demand the Prime Minister’s attention and action. The government, however, maintains that it is open to discussions and accuses the opposition of avoiding dialogue. The recent appearance of a shocking video from Manipur has added fuel to the fire.
The video depicted two women being paraded naked and molested by a violent mob, further exacerbating the gravity of the situation. PM Modi, who has only addressed the issue briefly once before, faced criticism from the opposition for speaking outside the House for a mere 36 seconds. The opposition contends that a detailed statement from the Prime Minister within the parliamentary chambers is essential to address the pressing concerns. The upcoming Manipur visit by the INDIA MPs follows a previous visit by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on June 29 and 30.
During his visit, Gandhi met with victims and civil society groups, highlighting the seriousness of the ongoing crisis. The INDIA bloc, united in their goal to challenge PM Modi and the BJP, seeks to prevent the ruling party from securing a third consecutive term in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. As the situation in Manipur remains tense and violence continues to escalate, the pressure on the government to take decisive action intensifies. The plight of the state’s residents demands immediate attention, and the nation watches closely as the opposition amplifies its call for accountability and resolution.