A delegation of 21 parliamentarians from the INDIA coalition arrived in Imphal on July 29 morning for a two-day visit to assess the situation in Manipur ahead of an upcoming no-confidence motion in Parliament. The motion was moved by the Opposition to compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the strife in Manipur.
Imphal: During their visit, the delegation toured relief camps in Churachandpur district and is scheduled to visit other troubled areas like Bishnupur and Kangpokpi. The members of the delegation expressed their concern and accused the State administration of failing to take adequate measures to restore peace or rehabilitate those suffering in refugee camps for nearly three months.
Notably, three out of the four women in the delegation met with a victim who was brutally attacked on May 4, an incident that sparked national outrage about violence against women in the conflict-torn State. The women parliamentarians highlighted the palpable fear still prevailing in the camps, emphasizing the urgency for a constructive settlement process.
The condition of the camps drew severe criticism from some members of the delegation. A CPI(M) member lamented the State government's neglect and the abysmal living conditions in the camps, highlighting the lack of essential resources and support. The situation has left thousands of women and children facing an uncertain future, and the civil society has had to step in to provide assistance.
However, in response to the visit, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur dismissed the delegation's efforts, calling it a "show-off." He accused the Opposition of ignoring similar issues in states ruled by them and questioned their sincerity.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, representing the Kuki community, expressed reluctance to return under the control of the Meitei community-dominated Manipur government.
The visit by the INDIA team has shed light on the complexities of the conflict in Manipur and raised questions about the government's approach towards peace and rehabilitation. As the debate on the no-confidence motion approaches, all eyes are on how the Prime Minister will address the concerns raised by the Opposition regarding the Manipur strife.
