‘Most horrific killings in post-Independent India’: TMC team after Manipur visit

Speaking to reporters later in the day, Banerjee said, “’The video has been taken down from social media after being forced by the government. But the fact is already so many people have witnessed the barbarism. Our heart is burning. Out heart is crying to see how the dignity of our mothers and daughters is being violated. What would the BJP leaders say now? What is their take on this incident? It is a shame for us. It is disgraceful.”

Heartbroken and outraged to witness the horrific video from Manipur showing the brutal treatment of two women by a frenzied mob.

No words can express the pain and anguish of witnessing the violence inflicted on marginalized women. This act of barbarism is beyond comprehension…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 20, 2023

She said the Opposition grouping of 26 parties, named India, were looking at sending Chief Ministers to Manipur.

“We (India grouping) are also talking to each other. If the opportunity comes, some Chief Ministers want to visit Manipur if the other parties agree. I wanted to go there and write a letter (to the Centre) seeking permission. But I have not got the permission as of yet. We want peace. That’s why it is better if some chief ministers from India (alliance group) can go there and meet people,” she said.

Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on Manipur, Banerjee said, “He did not exclusively talk about Manipur. He brought West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan In the same breath. To counter Bengal, attempts were made to suppress other voices. Federal structure is being bulldozed. When he (Prime Minister) answers questions abroad, he says we have the largest democracy. But in reality, you are for one-party rule. Today, they have become merchants of terror.”

TMC delegation members said they had paid tributes to those killed in the violence and visited several camps where victims are being sheltered. Dastidar said: “(Manipur) Governor Anusuiya Uikey told us that over 60,000 Central force personnel have been deployed. Over 5,000 houses have been burnt. About 57,000 people are living in temporary camps. There is a shortage of food and medicines. There is no electricity. People from both sides have been affected.”

The TMC MP also underlined that Mamata wanted to visit Manipur in June but “she was told not to go there as the situation was tense”. “The Governor there told us that some of the affected people can meet Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata if they can visit here.”

Reacting to the TMC’s allegations, senior BJP leader Rahul Sinha said the ruling party in West Bengal was trying to “divert attention” from the violence which took place during the panchayat election.

“The government in Manipur has taken action against the culprits. No one will be spared. But I want to ask the TMC why they are trying to divert attention from the law and order situation in Bengal. So many people have been killed in the entire panchayat election process since June 8, when the poll notification was announced. They should first answer why so many people died in Bengal. By talking about Manipur, the TMC is making an attempt to divert attention from the violence in Bengal,” said Sinha.