Bengal: TMC To Bring Motion On Manipur Violence In Assembly Today, BJP Urges Discussion On State Issues

TMC to table a motion about the Manipur conflict in the West Bengal Assembly. CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to speak on the situation. BJP MLA advocates dual focus.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is preparing to introduce a motion in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday (July 31) concerning the ethnic conflict in Manipur. Following the return of a 20-member delegation of MPs from the opposition INDIA alliance who visited Manipur over the weekend, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to address the assembly on the situation in the violence-stricken northeastern state, according to media reports. 

In response to the proposed motion, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul stated, "We will speak on it, but we will also discuss the issues that women face in West Bengal. We must first address West Bengal issues in the West Bengal Assembly before moving on to Manipur. We are willing to talk about both states," news agency ANI quoted her as saying. 

According to the Times of India, Banerjee is expected to deliver a speech on Manipur in the state assembly, making her the first Chief Minister to address the issue in a state legislature.

The INDIA bloc delegation consisted of representatives from roughly 20 opposition parties, with one representative from each party except Congress, which had two. During the visit to Manipur, Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev represented the TMC. The delegation concluded their visit to Imphal, other Valley locations, and Churachandpur in the hills, where they met with people from all walks of life in the state, including Meiteis, Kukis, and others.

Earlier on Sunday, Banerjee urged the people of ethnic strife affected Manipur to embrace peace for the sake of humanity. She also assured the people of the northeastern state of standing by their side.

In a Tweet, Banerjee wrote: "My heart aches deeply upon hearing the heart-wrenching stories from Manipur. Human lives should never endure the agonies of hatred's cruel experiments. Yet, in the face of silence from those in power, let us find solace in knowing that INDIA will mend wounds and rekindle the flame of humanity".

Since ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, more than 160 people have died and hundreds have been injured.

Meiteis make up about 53% of Manipur's population and live primarily in the Imphal Valley. Tribals (Nagas and Kukis) make up slightly more than 40% of the population and live in the hill districts.