Opposition on Manipur: All communities are angry, PM silence shows indifference

Saying they visited relief camps in Imphal, Churachandpur and Moirang on Saturday, the MPs stated in their memorandum: “We are, indeed, very shocked and sad to hear the stories of anxieties, uncertainties, pains and sorrows of the individuals affected by the unprecedented violence unleashed by both sides since the beginning of the clashes. There is an anger and a sense of alienation amongst all communities, which has to be addressed without delay.”

The memorandum flagged the breakdown of the law and order machinery in the state, the condition in the relief camps, and the plight of children affected by the violence. It also said that the restrictions on internet services for nearly three months were doing more harm than good.

“From the reports of incessant firing and arson of houses in the last few days, it is established beyond doubt that the state machineries have completely failed to control the situation for the last almost three months. The condition in the relief camps is pathetic to say the least. Special care needs to be taken for the kids on a priority basis. Students from different streams are facing uncertain future, which has to be the priority of the state and the Union governments. The continued internet ban for the last three months is aiding to the unsubstantiated rumours, which is adding to the existing mistrust. Silence of Hon’ble Prime Minister shows his brazen indifference to the violence in Manipur,” it said.

The MPs appealed to Uikey to “apprise” the Centre “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… to restore peace and normalcy.”

“We earnestly request you to restore peace and harmony taking all effective measures, where justice should be the cornerstone. In order to bring peace and harmony, rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons is most urgent,” said the memorandum.

“The failure of both the central and state governments to protect the lives and properties of the people of the two communities is apparent from the figures of more than 140 deaths, more than 500 injuries, burning of more than 5,000 houses and internal displacement of over 60,000 people,” it said.

Speaking to reporters in Imphal after the meeting, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said Uikey had recommended a visit by an all-party delegation. “The Governor herself expressed her sorrow. In these two days, whatever we observed and experienced, we put them all before her, and she expressed her support and also advised that we should speak to leaders of both the Meitei and Kuki communities and find a path to a solution. She also advised that an all-party delegation, comprising the ruling parties and Opposition, visit Manipur and speak to leaders of all communities. Because the atmosphere of mistrust which has been created here has to be addressed by all together,” he said.

Chowdhury said the Opposition MPs would place their findings before Parliament once they “get the opportunity”, stating that it “is going on becoming a matter of national security.”

The visit by the MPs comes against the backdrop of a logjam in Parliament over the issue, with Opposition parties demanding a statement from Modi on the Manipur situation in the House. The Congress has also moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led government.

The visiting delegation comprises MPs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, CPI, CPI(M), RJD, SP, VCK, JD(U), NCP, IUML, RSP, AAP, Shiv Sena, JMM and RLD.