'They're Extremely Scared': Oppn Delegation After Visiting Manipur Relief Camp, BJP Calls It 'Political Tourism'

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday (July 29) raised concern for the residents, stating that 'their fear was evident from their expressions'.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Source : ANI

After visiting a relief camp in Churachandpur district, Manipur, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday (July 29) raised concern for the people staying in the camp, stating that 'their fear was evident from their expressions'. He observed that the affected people seemed hesitant to communicate with anyone and believed that the government would not offer them any assistance.

"It is clear from their faces that they are extremely scared," Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said after visiting a relief camp in Churachandpur district. "They refuse to speak to anyone. They understand that this government will not assist them," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

Earlier in the day, a multi-party delegation from the Opposition's 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' or I.N.D.I.A arrived in Manipur to assess the ground situation in the northeastern state where ethnic violence erupted on May 3. The Opposition decided to send a delegation to the state of 21 Parliamentarians from 16 different parties. The delegation will also meet with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday.

According to PTI, Chowdhury told reporters, "They are talking about CBI investigation (into the crimes committed)... I'd like to know if they (the central government) have been sleeping until now."

TMC leader Sushmita Dev stated that the team will meet with members of both communities. Dev emphasised the importance of meeting the victims in person after visiting the camp. She lamented the absence of a government delegation and emphasised the opposition parties' responsibility to address the conflict-torn region's situation.

She said: "It was important for us to come here and meet the victims; the unfortunate part is that the Government of India should have sent a delegation, but Opposition parties must send a delegation here," ANI quoted her as saying. 

"We met several people in the relief camp here and listened to their problems," said RJD MP Manoj Jha, who also visited the camp. "We have assured them that the situation will improve, and we are all working towards that direction," ANI reported. 

READ | 'Manipur Clashes Have Damaged India's Image': Oppn MPs Reach Imphal, BJP Calls It 'Show Off'

Gogoi Questions Government's Claims, Offers All-Party Delegation For Manipur Visit

The presence of people still residing in relief camps, according to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, calls the Central government's claim of restored peace in Manipur into question. He questioned the reasons for their absence and expressed willingness to accompany PM Modi on an all-party delegation to Manipur.

BJP Leaders Accuse Opposition MPs Of 'Political Tourism' During Visit To Manipur

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticises the visit of Opposition MPs from I.N.D.I.A parties to Manipur as a mere "showoff", claiming that PM Modi's government is actively addressing the concerns of Manipur's people. Similarly, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari questions the purpose of the visit, claiming that rather than analysing the situation, the Opposition MPs are engaging in "political tourism" and should instead focus on parliamentary debates.

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