Opposition MPs from various I.N.D.I.A. parties returned to Delhi on Sunday (30 July) after a two-day visit to violence-torn Manipur. The delegation, representing the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, handed over a memorandum to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, urging immediate action to restore peace in the northeastern region. While the delegation asked the Governor to restore normalcy in the state as soon as possible, it also chastised the central and state governments for turning a blind eye to the state's 'precarious' and 'volatile' situation.
After their return from Manipur, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "Both the state and central governments are turning a blind eye to the dire situation in Manipur. Despite grandiose promises made in Delhi and even abroad, people are struggling to obtain basic necessities such as food and medicine."
"Due to the current conditions, students are unable to continue their education. The conflict between the two communities continues in the absence of effective government intervention," he is heard saying in a video posted by ANI.
JD(U)'s Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh echoed the sentiment of insecurity and lack of confidence prevailing among the two communities in Manipur.
"Governor said that she is doing everything in her power to restore normalcy. But we know that the Governor has limited powers and the power to run the state lies in the hands of the State Government," he said.
RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "We strive for peace and harmony in Manipur. Our sole demand is for both communities to coexist peacefully. The current situation in Manipur is 'precarious', and there have been discussions in Parliament about sending an all-party delegation to the state."
As INDIA bloc leaders concluded their visit and returned to Delhi, DMK leader Kanimozhi emphasised the continued "volatility in Manipur".
"We have expressed our concerns to the Governor, who is also concerned and wants us to inform the Union Government of what we have seen...we will request a debate, and we want to inform the Government of what we have seen...people even want a delegation of all party leaders to visit there (Manipur) and see what is going on...peace talks are the only way out," she added.
TMC MP Sushmita Dev discussed the effort to form an all-party delegation, saying, "We expressed our desire for an all-party delegation, but unfortunately, the government did not agree. That is why the I.N.D.I.A. alliance decided to pay a visit to Manipur. We will express our concerns when PM Modi appears in Parliament, but he has yet to appear in either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha," ANI reported.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed gratitude to the people of Manipur for their warm reception during their visit and urged the NDA alliance and Prime Minister Modi to visit the region as well.
INDIA, the opposition bloc, strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "silence" and perceived "indifference" to Manipur's protracted ethnic conflict. The conflict has lasted nearly three months, and the government's lack of action has earned the opposition harsh criticism.
READ | 'Brazen Indifference': INDIA Bloc MPs Urge Manipur Guv To Restore Peace, Slams PM Modi's 'Silence'
The 21 signatory MPs demanded immediate rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people in their memorandum to Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey in order to restore peace and harmony in the state. The MPs cited recent incidents of shooting and arson as evidence of the state's inability to control the situation.
The opposition also emphasised the negative consequences of the internet ban, which has been in effect for three months. They expressed concern that the ban has contributed to the spread of unsubstantiated rumours, deepening community distrust.