The longstanding demand by the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties for a discussion on the Manipur issue in both the Houses of Parliament could finally see the light of the day as the bloc suggested a “middle path” solution to the Leader of the House. As per sources, a discussion over the situation in strife-torn Manipur could possibly take place on the last day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, August 11. On Thursday, Union minister Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi held a meeting with the members of Opposition parties.
“Debate as long as you want on Manipur, I am ready to answer. The priority of the opposition is to save its alliance. The opposition is not worried about Manipur,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
It is to be noted that the Opposition leaders have been protesting over the Manipur issue and have insisted on holding a discussion over the matter under Rule 267, which would lead to suspension of all other businesses to address the key issue.
“INDIA parties have offered a middle path solution to the Leader of the House to break the logjam and get a discussion on Manipur going in an uninterrupted manner in the Rajya Sabha. Hope the Modi government agrees,” tweeted Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, without specifying what the middle path was.
His remarks came hours after the Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar convened a meeting with leaders to find a solution to end the impasse.
Ever since the Parliament’s Monsoon Session began on July 20, members of the Opposition parties have been creating ruckus in both the Houses, stalling proceedings of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha demanding discussion on the issue.
Manipur has been in the grip of ethnic violence since May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts opposing Meiteis’ demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. Over 150 people have lost their lives so far in the clashes.