The Indian government has accused the opposition of running away from a discussion on the Manipur issue and disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the opposition has made up its mind to prevent the functioning of Parliament. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned on the first day of the Monsoon session due to slogans and demands for a discussion on the situation in Manipur.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and Samajwadi Party, have criticized the central BJP government over the ethnic violence in Manipur and a video depicting the naked parade of two women. Goyal alleged that the opposition disrupted the proceedings as they feared incidents of misbehavior with women in Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan might also come up.
While the government expressed readiness for a discussion, the opposition demanded the suspension of all House business before taking up their notices for a discussion on Manipur under Rule 267. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the opposition for finding excuses to stall proceedings and expressed the government’s willingness for a sensitive discussion on Manipur.
Goyal claimed that the Congress and its allies disrupted the business advisory committee meeting, indicating their intention to stall proceedings. He emphasized that the government is ready for a discussion on Manipur but accused the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and other opposition parties of trying to avoid it.
The Manipur issue has led to mounting tension in the hills, with clashes between the Meitei community and Kukis resulting in over 160 deaths so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident, assuring the public that the law would act with its full might and the guilty would not be spared. He urged chief ministers to strengthen law and order mechanisms, protect women, and take stringent action.
