Ready for debate on Manipur riots in parliament: Govt to opposition

The government said it was ready to discuss the issue in the presence of home minister Amit Shah

NEW DELHI | Updated: 21 July, 2023 2:04 pm IST
The second day of the parliament monsoon session was marked by back-to-back adjournments

NEW DELHI: The second day of the monsoon session bore the brunt of disruptions by opposition over the Manipur riots even as the government said it was ready to discuss the issue in the presence of home minister Amit Shah on Friday.

The session opened on Thursday to a political storm as a united opposition, named INDIA or the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, demanded that PM Narendra Modi address the parliament over the situation in Manipur.

Speaking to media persons at parliament, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi said, “We are ready to discuss whenever the Speaker directs. Union home minister Amit Shah has officially informed the Speaker and the Chairman that we are prepared for a discussion.”

“The opposition’s insistence on introducing new demands and disrupting the discussion is unfounded. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the BJP aims to hold extensive discussions on important bills in the parliament…The opposition is attempting to create a wrong narrative and obstruct parliamentary proceedings,” he added.

ALSO READ: Opposition demands PM’s address on Manipur riots in parliament

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also responded to the opposition’s demand for a discussion on Manipur, stating, “The government is ready to discuss the Manipur issue. It is sensitive, and if there is a discussion, the Union Home Minister will address it. The opposition keeps changing its stance repeatedly.”

“The government is fully prepared to discuss Manipur. I appeal to the opposition not to politicize this sensitive issue, which concerns the respect for women, the northeast, and the border state,” he further said.

Meanwhile, AAP MP Raghav Chadha gave a suspension of business notice in parliament to discuss the breakdown of law and order in Manipur due to the failure of both the central and state governments. He asserted, “The violence in Manipur has shaken our collective conscience. I urge the central government to wake up from its slumber and discuss the Manipur issue…The entire country wants to know what is happening in Manipur and what the government has done about it…We demand the removal of the discredited government in Manipur and the imposition of President’s rule in the state.”

ALSO READ: PM assures punishment for Manipur monsters as police make 1st arrest

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi added, “We want the PM to address the Parliament on the Manipur issue. The first day of the Monsoon Session was about prioritizing Manipur.”

Just a day before the monsoon session, a ghastly video surfaced on social media showing two tribal women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a thousand-strong mob.

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reassured the nation, stating, “I assure the nation, no guilty will be spared. Law will take its course with all its might. What happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven.”

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