News Analysis India

Tag: Manipur

  • Violence takes a toll on mental health of kids in relief camps in Manipur

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: Faced with an uncertain future amid the ethnic violence, displaced people in strife-torn Manipur, particularly children, are slowly slipping into depression, officials said.

    They started arriving at the relief camps in early May, with the children highly traumatised. Despite repeated counselling, they have not fully recovered.

    “We have started noticing symptoms of depression in people displaced due to violence, especially children. There are some who do not want to venture out of their rooms — a telltale sign of depression,” said Yurembam Indramani, District Child Protection Officer, Imphal West.

    “There is violence almost every day. Anxiety has set in among the inmates. They wonder for how long they will have to stay in relief camps and if they would ever be able to return to their villages,” he said.

    A team from NIMHANS Bengaluru will visit the relief camps and assess the nature of the children’s mental health. They will also hold a workshop for counsellors from August 7-10.

    ALSO READ | Bnei Menashe community: India’s ‘lost tribe’ of Israel worst hit in Manipur violence

    Sandhyarani Mangshatabam, programme officer of the State Child Protection Society, said, “The Manipur Social Welfare Department has a child protection unit in every district. Each district has a counsellor.”

    “We also have childcare institutions in every district. The counsellors of all these institutions are working in tandem,” she said, adding, “I can’t say the children’s mental condition has improved. Elderly inmates often discuss violence. The children get to hear their discussions. This is greatly affecting them.” 

    “The children are still traumatised. Their fear somewhat reduced after they started going to schools,” Indramani said.

    About 11,000 displaced children are lodged in 337 relief camps  167 of them are set up in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur (Meitei-majority districts)  170 are placed in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal (Kuki-majority districts)

    More than 160 people have lost their lives and several hundreds have been injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.

    READ STORIES RELATED TO MANIPUR VIOLENCE HERE

    GUWAHATI: Faced with an uncertain future amid the ethnic violence, displaced people in strife-torn Manipur, particularly children, are slowly slipping into depression, officials said.

    They started arriving at the relief camps in early May, with the children highly traumatised. Despite repeated counselling, they have not fully recovered.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “We have started noticing symptoms of depression in people displaced due to violence, especially children. There are some who do not want to venture out of their rooms — a telltale sign of depression,” said Yurembam Indramani, District Child Protection Officer, Imphal West.

    “There is violence almost every day. Anxiety has set in among the inmates. They wonder for how long they will have to stay in relief camps and if they would ever be able to return to their villages,” he said.

    A team from NIMHANS Bengaluru will visit the relief camps and assess the nature of the children’s mental health. They will also hold a workshop for counsellors from August 7-10.

    ALSO READ | Bnei Menashe community: India’s ‘lost tribe’ of Israel worst hit in Manipur violence

    Sandhyarani Mangshatabam, programme officer of the State Child Protection Society, said, “The Manipur Social Welfare Department has a child protection unit in every district. Each district has a counsellor.”

    “We also have childcare institutions in every district. The counsellors of all these institutions are working in tandem,” she said, adding, “I can’t say the children’s mental condition has improved. Elderly inmates often discuss violence. The children get to hear their discussions. This is greatly affecting them.” 

    “The children are still traumatised. Their fear somewhat reduced after they started going to schools,” Indramani said.

    About 11,000 displaced children are lodged in 337 relief camps  167 of them are set up in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam and Bishnupur (Meitei-majority districts)  170 are placed in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal (Kuki-majority districts)

    More than 160 people have lost their lives and several hundreds have been injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.

    READ STORIES RELATED TO MANIPUR VIOLENCE HERE

  • Parliament adjourned till noon amid opposition protests over Manipur

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha proceedings on Tuesday were adjourned till noon amid protest by opposition parties demanding discussion on the Manipur issue in the House.

    Soon after the listed papers were tabled in the House, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed anguish over repeated disruptions of the proceedings in the House on the “same issue”.

    He said a short-duration discussion on the issue was scheduled the previous day, but it could not take place.

    Dhankhar also did not approve 60 notices for taking up discussion on the Manipur issue under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha which allows for suspension of the day’s business to debate on any issue suggested by a member.

    Meanwhile, opposition members started raising slogans. Around 11.25 am, the Chair adjourn House proceedings till noon.

    Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday following protests by opposition members on the Manipur issue.

    As soon as the House met for the day, opposition members started shouting slogans and held up placards Some of them were in the Well of the House while some stood near the Speaker’s Chair, holding placards, as they sought to raise the Manipur issue.

    Speaker Om Birla told the protesting members that they will be given time to raise the issues.

    BSP member Kunwar Danish Ali, standing in his seat, raised slogans on the violence in Nuh in Haryana.

    “Sir, Nuh jal raha hai (Nuh is burning),” he said, addressing the Speaker.

    Three questions and related supplementary were taken up during Question Hour, which went on for around 15 minutes.

    However, as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm.

    Protests on the Manipur violence have been disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings since the start of the Monsoon session on July 20.

    NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha proceedings on Tuesday were adjourned till noon amid protest by opposition parties demanding discussion on the Manipur issue in the House.

    Soon after the listed papers were tabled in the House, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed anguish over repeated disruptions of the proceedings in the House on the “same issue”.

    He said a short-duration discussion on the issue was scheduled the previous day, but it could not take place.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Dhankhar also did not approve 60 notices for taking up discussion on the Manipur issue under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha which allows for suspension of the day’s business to debate on any issue suggested by a member.

    Meanwhile, opposition members started raising slogans. Around 11.25 am, the Chair adjourn House proceedings till noon.

    Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday following protests by opposition members on the Manipur issue.

    As soon as the House met for the day, opposition members started shouting slogans and held up placards Some of them were in the Well of the House while some stood near the Speaker’s Chair, holding placards, as they sought to raise the Manipur issue.

    Speaker Om Birla told the protesting members that they will be given time to raise the issues.

    BSP member Kunwar Danish Ali, standing in his seat, raised slogans on the violence in Nuh in Haryana.

    “Sir, Nuh jal raha hai (Nuh is burning),” he said, addressing the Speaker.

    Three questions and related supplementary were taken up during Question Hour, which went on for around 15 minutes.

    However, as the protests continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm.

    Protests on the Manipur violence have been disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings since the start of the Monsoon session on July 20.

  • Modi govt indifferent to pain, anguish of Manipur people: Congress chief Kharge

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was “indifferent” to the pain and anguish of the people of violence-hit Manipur.

    The Congress chief said MPs of the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ who visited Manipur to assess the situation in the strife-torn state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people there.

    “While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi government appeared indifferent,” he said on Twitter while asserting that the divide between communities was “deeply concerning.”

    “Despite time for poll rallies, self-PR train inaugurations, and attending BJP meetings, PM Modi seems to have no time to address the anguish and suffering of Manipur’s people or work towards resolving inter-community issues,” Kharde tweeted.

    While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi Government appeared indifferent.Our INDIA alliance MPs, after visiting the state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people. They engaged with all communities.Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 innocent children, are in… pic.twitter.com/ZgCEozt2sA
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 31, 2023
    He also said, “The Modi government appears clueless and rudderless in handling the Manipur situation, evident in the absence of a comprehensive statement in Parliament.”

    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 children, are in relief camps. The facilities there are inadequate, especially for women, and there are shortages of medicines and food, Kharge said.

    “Economic activities have come to a halt, with children unable to attend school, farmers ceasing their farming, and people grappling with both financial losses and psychological hardships,” Kharge said on Twitter.

    A delegation of 21 MPs of the INDIA alliance visited Manipur over the weekend and met many people in relief camps set up for those affected by violence in the state.

    NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi government was “indifferent” to the pain and anguish of the people of violence-hit Manipur.

    The Congress chief said MPs of the opposition alliance ‘INDIA’ who visited Manipur to assess the situation in the strife-torn state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people there.

    “While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi government appeared indifferent,” he said on Twitter while asserting that the divide between communities was “deeply concerning.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Despite time for poll rallies, self-PR train inaugurations, and attending BJP meetings, PM Modi seems to have no time to address the anguish and suffering of Manipur’s people or work towards resolving inter-community issues,” Kharde tweeted.

    While Manipur faced turmoil, the Modi Government appeared indifferent.
    Our INDIA alliance MPs, after visiting the state, heard heart-wrenching stories of pain from the people. They engaged with all communities.
    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 innocent children, are in… pic.twitter.com/ZgCEozt2sA
    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 31, 2023
    He also said, “The Modi government appears clueless and rudderless in handling the Manipur situation, evident in the absence of a comprehensive statement in Parliament.”

    Over 50,000 people, including 10,000 children, are in relief camps. The facilities there are inadequate, especially for women, and there are shortages of medicines and food, Kharge said.

    “Economic activities have come to a halt, with children unable to attend school, farmers ceasing their farming, and people grappling with both financial losses and psychological hardships,” Kharge said on Twitter.

    A delegation of 21 MPs of the INDIA alliance visited Manipur over the weekend and met many people in relief camps set up for those affected by violence in the state.

  • INDIA bloc MPs to assess ground situation in Manipur, make recommendations to govt, Parliament 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A delegation of 20 INDIA bloc MPs will pay a two-day visit to Manipur beginning Saturday to assess the ground situation first-hand and then make recommendations to the government and Parliament for a solution to the problems in the violence-hit state.

    Ahead of the visit, Congress’ deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence in Manipur.

    Addressing a press conference here, Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain said the MPs from 16 parties would visit the affected areas and people both in the valley and the hills.

    They would also visit two relief camps in both places and assess the situation themselves.

    Sources said the opposition bloc had written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who allowed the delegation to visit the state.

    The delegation would be meeting Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday morning, Hussain said.

    The Congress leader said the MPs have sought to use helicopters there and if allowed, they will be able to visit the far-flung areas of Churachandpur, where fresh violence has taken place.

    “We have got permissions from the state government to visit the affected areas as also the relief camps. We have also got permission to meet the governor, who has allowed time for the delegation on Sunday,” Hussain told reporters.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA have neither the will nor the ability to resolve the Manipur violence,” he said, adding that ever since the Monsoon session of Parliament started, the opposition has been continuously demanding a discussion on Manipur.

    “PM Modi should come to Parliament and give a statement and prepare a roadmap for peace in Manipur,” he asserted.

    The delegation will include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, TMC’s Sushmita Dev, JMM’s Mahua Maji, DMK’s Kanimozhi, NCP’s Mohammad Faizal, Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, N K Premachandran of RSP and T Thirumavalavan of the VCK.

    JD(U) chief Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Aneel Prasad Hegde (JD-U), CPI’s Sandosh Kumar, CPI(M)’s A A Rahim, Samajwadi Party’s Javed Ali Khan, IUML’s E T Mohammed Basheer, AAP’s Sushil Gupta, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray), D Ravikumar (DMK) and Phulo Devi Netam (Congress) will also be part of the 20-member delegation which will leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon.

    Gogoi said, “The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want that an inquiry should be conducted under a retired Supreme Court judge as to how did the state government fail, how did people got access to weapons in this quantity, what was the administration doing.”

    “The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. Why was the administration sleeping for two months. There should be an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge and all INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament,” he told PTI outside Parliament.

    Trinamool Congress’ Dev said the opposition delegation wants to give the message that “we are with the people of Manipur”.

    “We are concerned, we want peace to return…the government has failed, so we want to go there and see what solution can be found,” she said.

    Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu said the opposition delegation will be leaving for Manipur Saturday morning and will find out what went wrong, the extent of damage and loss of lives and property.

    Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premchandran said the intent of the visit is to have a first-hand information about the happenings in the state.

    “The violence is still going on so we would like to have first-hand information and suggest some solutions and recommendations to the government and Parliament before the discussion comes there,” he said.

    “We would like to visit the relief camps regarding rehabilitation of the victims. What is the real cause of the violence, we want to find out,” he said.

    Congress leader Naseer Hussain alleged that massacres, violence and rapes are happening in Manipur for the last 86 days.

    On Friday too, he said, 47 MPs have given notice under rule 267 demanding a discussion, but the discussion is not happening in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

    “Instead of talking on Manipur, PM Modi is giving advice to the chief ministers of other states. Our demand is that the prime minister should come to the House and discuss Manipur,” he said.

    Hussain alleged that weapons looted from government armouries are being found in houses in Manipur and added this is a matter of national security.

    The opposition bloc had been demanding that a delegation of their leaders be allowed to visit the state but till now they had been denied permission in view of the situation there.

    The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in Parliament on the situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur followed by a full-fledged discussion on it.

    The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.

    NEW DELHI: A delegation of 20 INDIA bloc MPs will pay a two-day visit to Manipur beginning Saturday to assess the ground situation first-hand and then make recommendations to the government and Parliament for a solution to the problems in the violence-hit state.

    Ahead of the visit, Congress’ deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi called for an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge into the violence in Manipur.

    Addressing a press conference here, Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain said the MPs from 16 parties would visit the affected areas and people both in the valley and the hills.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    They would also visit two relief camps in both places and assess the situation themselves.

    Sources said the opposition bloc had written to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who allowed the delegation to visit the state.

    The delegation would be meeting Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday morning, Hussain said.

    The Congress leader said the MPs have sought to use helicopters there and if allowed, they will be able to visit the far-flung areas of Churachandpur, where fresh violence has taken place.

    “We have got permissions from the state government to visit the affected areas as also the relief camps. We have also got permission to meet the governor, who has allowed time for the delegation on Sunday,” Hussain told reporters.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA have neither the will nor the ability to resolve the Manipur violence,” he said, adding that ever since the Monsoon session of Parliament started, the opposition has been continuously demanding a discussion on Manipur.

    “PM Modi should come to Parliament and give a statement and prepare a roadmap for peace in Manipur,” he asserted.

    The delegation will include Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, TMC’s Sushmita Dev, JMM’s Mahua Maji, DMK’s Kanimozhi, NCP’s Mohammad Faizal, Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, Manoj Kumar Jha of RJD, N K Premachandran of RSP and T Thirumavalavan of the VCK.

    JD(U) chief Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, Aneel Prasad Hegde (JD-U), CPI’s Sandosh Kumar, CPI(M)’s A A Rahim, Samajwadi Party’s Javed Ali Khan, IUML’s E T Mohammed Basheer, AAP’s Sushil Gupta, Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray), D Ravikumar (DMK) and Phulo Devi Netam (Congress) will also be part of the 20-member delegation which will leave on Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon.

    Gogoi said, “The BJP wants to give the picture that everything is fine in Manipur but it is not so with violence continuing. That is why we want that an inquiry should be conducted under a retired Supreme Court judge as to how did the state government fail, how did people got access to weapons in this quantity, what was the administration doing.”

    “The chief minister (N Biren Singh) himself admits that there are more than 100 FIRs. Why was the administration sleeping for two months. There should be an inquiry under a retired Supreme Court judge and all INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) MPs will go to Manipur and find out the truth and will put forward that truth before Parliament,” he told PTI outside Parliament.

    Trinamool Congress’ Dev said the opposition delegation wants to give the message that “we are with the people of Manipur”.

    “We are concerned, we want peace to return…the government has failed, so we want to go there and see what solution can be found,” she said.

    Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T R Baalu said the opposition delegation will be leaving for Manipur Saturday morning and will find out what went wrong, the extent of damage and loss of lives and property.

    Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premchandran said the intent of the visit is to have a first-hand information about the happenings in the state.

    “The violence is still going on so we would like to have first-hand information and suggest some solutions and recommendations to the government and Parliament before the discussion comes there,” he said.

    “We would like to visit the relief camps regarding rehabilitation of the victims. What is the real cause of the violence, we want to find out,” he said.

    Congress leader Naseer Hussain alleged that massacres, violence and rapes are happening in Manipur for the last 86 days.

    On Friday too, he said, 47 MPs have given notice under rule 267 demanding a discussion, but the discussion is not happening in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

    “Instead of talking on Manipur, PM Modi is giving advice to the chief ministers of other states. Our demand is that the prime minister should come to the House and discuss Manipur,” he said.

    Hussain alleged that weapons looted from government armouries are being found in houses in Manipur and added this is a matter of national security.

    The opposition bloc had been demanding that a delegation of their leaders be allowed to visit the state but till now they had been denied permission in view of the situation there.

    The opposition has been demanding a statement from the prime minister in Parliament on the situation in ethnic strife-torn Manipur followed by a full-fledged discussion on it.

    The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 3, in which more than 160 people have lost their lives.

  • CM Biren asks Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga not to meddle in Manipur’s internal matters

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: The ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis has led to a verbal duel between the Manipur and Mizoram chief ministers.

    Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Wednesday asked his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga not to interfere in the internal matters of another state. He was addressing a gathering at the observation of “Kargil Vijay Diwas”.

    For some time, Zoramthanga has been vocal on the Manipur conflict. After walking along with protestors in Aizawl on Tuesday, he told a news channel, “The wound is deep and it is very difficult to heal this with a pain-killer. It needs a thorough investigation.”

    He also said that a lot of people, including Singh, and various factors were responsible for the Manipur violence.

    Massive protest rallies were taken out in Mizoram on Tuesday. Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, Chins (Myanmar) and Chin-Kukis (Bangladesh) belong to the Zo community and they share the same ancestry, culture and tradition.

    ALSO READ | Manipur women caught in a Hobbesian world

    An official statement issued by the Manipur government said the CM condemned the use of abusive words against him in Tuesday’s solidarity rally in Mizoram, calling it a “barbaric act”.

    Singh reiterated his government’s stance to identify the illegal migrants and drive them out of the state.

    Stating that the government would stand strongly against the demand for “separate administration” as raised by the Kuki-Zo tribals, he said the ongoing tension in Manipur was between the government and the elements which wanted to disturb peaceful co-existence.

    He warned the elements for their attempt to distort Manipur’s integrity, stating that the government would not succumb to any threat. He clarified that the government is not against the Kukis who have been residing in the state for a long time.

    Further, Singh condemned the portrayal of the Manipur crisis as a clash between Hindus and Christians by the European Parliament.

    He appreciated the contribution of security forces in government’s efforts to restore peace. He said protecting the lives of the people is the responsibility of the central and the state government. He said all efforts were being made to restore peace.

    GUWAHATI: The ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis has led to a verbal duel between the Manipur and Mizoram chief ministers.

    Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Wednesday asked his Mizoram counterpart Zoramthanga not to interfere in the internal matters of another state. He was addressing a gathering at the observation of “Kargil Vijay Diwas”.

    For some time, Zoramthanga has been vocal on the Manipur conflict. After walking along with protestors in Aizawl on Tuesday, he told a news channel, “The wound is deep and it is very difficult to heal this with a pain-killer. It needs a thorough investigation.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He also said that a lot of people, including Singh, and various factors were responsible for the Manipur violence.

    Massive protest rallies were taken out in Mizoram on Tuesday. Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, Chins (Myanmar) and Chin-Kukis (Bangladesh) belong to the Zo community and they share the same ancestry, culture and tradition.

    ALSO READ | Manipur women caught in a Hobbesian world

    An official statement issued by the Manipur government said the CM condemned the use of abusive words against him in Tuesday’s solidarity rally in Mizoram, calling it a “barbaric act”.

    Singh reiterated his government’s stance to identify the illegal migrants and drive them out of the state.

    Stating that the government would stand strongly against the demand for “separate administration” as raised by the Kuki-Zo tribals, he said the ongoing tension in Manipur was between the government and the elements which wanted to disturb peaceful co-existence.

    He warned the elements for their attempt to distort Manipur’s integrity, stating that the government would not succumb to any threat. He clarified that the government is not against the Kukis who have been residing in the state for a long time.

    Further, Singh condemned the portrayal of the Manipur crisis as a clash between Hindus and Christians by the European Parliament.

    He appreciated the contribution of security forces in government’s efforts to restore peace. He said protecting the lives of the people is the responsibility of the central and the state government. He said all efforts were being made to restore peace.

  • ‘East India Company, Indian Mujhaideen…’: PM Modi’s jibe at INDIA alliance; Congress says, ‘Manipur burning’

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a stinging attack on the “completely directionless” INDIA alliance of opposition parties and compared the grouping with terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig that as the Britishers named themselves the East India Company and terror organisations like the Indian Mujahideen and the Indian People’s Front, all of whom have ‘India’ in them, similarly the Opposition was presenting itself with the name of India.

    Addressing media persons here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad quoted the PM’s remarks in the party’s Parliamentary meeting held earlier today.

    “We are proud of our PM. We will return to power in 2024. PM Modi in his remarks said that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national,” Prasad said.

    “Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People’s Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true,” the former union minister said citing the Prime Minister’s remarks at the BJP Parliamentary party meeting.

    Congress National President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that while the Opposition was urging the Prime Minister to speak on the Manipur issue in Parliament, he was instead talking about the East India Company in his party meeting.

    “Why is he scared about opposition parties naming themselves as INDIA. They are nervous because of our successful meetings in Patna and Bengaluru,” Kharge said responding to PM’s jibe on the acronym INDIA, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

    “The opposition is giving direction to the country. The Prime Minister himself has become directionless,” Kharge said.

    “The Manipur issue is not like the ones in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or West Bengal, it is way more serious. This is a concern for all the Northeast states in the country. They are not concerned about the atrocities against women, Kharge further stated.

    Inside the Rajya Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition Kharge said that the prime minister was busy talking about the East India Company at a time when Manipur was burning.

    “So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur. Manipur is burning but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge said.

    Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was poised to return to power in 2024.

    “We are well on course to return to power in 2024. The country has set high hopes on us and the Opposition alliance knows it is not coming to power. This sad and tired Opposition will disintegrate,” he said.

    Prime Minister Modi today came down heavily on the face-off in Parliament over the Manipur issue between the Opposition and the government that has led to continued disruptions since the beginning of the ongoing Monsoon Session.

    Parliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said that in the BJP Parliamentary meeting, PM Modi said that from the Opposition’s conduct, it seems that they have decided to remain in the Opposition for the coming years.”

    Earlier today the BJP’s Parliamentary Party meeting was held to chalk out a strategy to counter the Opposition’s ruckus in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

    The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, with a long list of legislative businesses on the agenda, has seen repeated adjournments in the face of Opposition protests, sloganeering, and ruckus by members of the fledgling grand Opposition alliance over its demand for a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur situation. 

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a stinging attack on the “completely directionless” INDIA alliance of opposition parties and compared the grouping with terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig that as the Britishers named themselves the East India Company and terror organisations like the Indian Mujahideen and the Indian People’s Front, all of whom have ‘India’ in them, similarly the Opposition was presenting itself with the name of India.

    Addressing media persons here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad quoted the PM’s remarks in the party’s Parliamentary meeting held earlier today.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “We are proud of our PM. We will return to power in 2024. PM Modi in his remarks said that Indian National Congress, East India Company was founded by a foreign national,” Prasad said.

    “Today people are using names like Indian Mujahideen and Indian People’s Front. Something on face value could be different from something that is really true,” the former union minister said citing the Prime Minister’s remarks at the BJP Parliamentary party meeting.

    Congress National President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that while the Opposition was urging the Prime Minister to speak on the Manipur issue in Parliament, he was instead talking about the East India Company in his party meeting.

    “Why is he scared about opposition parties naming themselves as INDIA. They are nervous because of our successful meetings in Patna and Bengaluru,” Kharge said responding to PM’s jibe on the acronym INDIA, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.

    “The opposition is giving direction to the country. The Prime Minister himself has become directionless,” Kharge said.

    “The Manipur issue is not like the ones in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or West Bengal, it is way more serious. This is a concern for all the Northeast states in the country. They are not concerned about the atrocities against women, Kharge further stated.

    Inside the Rajya Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition Kharge said that the prime minister was busy talking about the East India Company at a time when Manipur was burning.

    “So many representatives are giving notices under 267 in Parliament. We are talking about Manipur. Manipur is burning but the Prime Minister is talking about East India Company,” Kharge said.

    Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was poised to return to power in 2024.

    “We are well on course to return to power in 2024. The country has set high hopes on us and the Opposition alliance knows it is not coming to power. This sad and tired Opposition will disintegrate,” he said.

    Prime Minister Modi today came down heavily on the face-off in Parliament over the Manipur issue between the Opposition and the government that has led to continued disruptions since the beginning of the ongoing Monsoon Session.

    Parliamentary Affairs minister Prahlad Joshi said that in the BJP Parliamentary meeting, PM Modi said that from the Opposition’s conduct, it seems that they have decided to remain in the Opposition for the coming years.”

    Earlier today the BJP’s Parliamentary Party meeting was held to chalk out a strategy to counter the Opposition’s ruckus in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

    The Monsoon Session, which began on July 20, with a long list of legislative businesses on the agenda, has seen repeated adjournments in the face of Opposition protests, sloganeering, and ruckus by members of the fledgling grand Opposition alliance over its demand for a statement from PM Modi on the Manipur situation. 

  • Congress dismisses Amit Shah’s Manipur discussion offer as ‘desperate bid to manage headlines’

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Reiterating its demand for a comprehensive statement by Prime Minister Modi on the Manipur crisis, the Congress on Monday termed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Lok Sabha expressing his willingness for a discussion on Manipur as a “desperate bid to manage headlines”.

    Amit Shah had earlier said that the government is willing to hold a discussion on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to allow the discussion to happen.

    “Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge all the members of the opposition that on a very sensitive issue, I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow discussion,” said Shah.

    ALSO READ | ‘Which holy river of this country..’: DMK MP’s poem captures agony of women in Manipur

    “I urge the leader of the opposition to allow the discussion to take place and it is important that the truth comes out,” he added.

    However, the Opposition remained adamant on their demand for a statement from the PM before any discussion is held.

    Taking a swipe at the Home Minister, AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh sought to know why the PM refused to speak on the issue inside Parliament.

    “Amit Shah is not doing anybody any special favour. The perfectly democratic and legitimate demand of the parties comprising INDIA is for a statement by the Prime Minister on the Manipur situation first followed by a discussion. The Home Minister is totally silent on this. What is the hesitation in getting the PM to speak inside Parliament first?” he asked.

    ALSO READ | PM should make statement on Manipur situation, MPs have valid demand: Former J-K governor Malik

    The Opposition has intensified its attack on the government after the video of two women being paraded naked by a dozen men sparked outrage last week. The Prime Minister during his customary interaction with media outside Parliament, said that ‘the entire country has been shamed and assured that the guilty will be punished.

    About 150 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes which broke out on May 3.

    Meanwhile. both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Monday after the presiding officers declined to hold a discussion under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions to discuss the Manipur issue in both Houses. The Parliament has not been functioning since the Monsoon session began on July 20.

    NEW DELHI: Reiterating its demand for a comprehensive statement by Prime Minister Modi on the Manipur crisis, the Congress on Monday termed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Lok Sabha expressing his willingness for a discussion on Manipur as a “desperate bid to manage headlines”.

    Amit Shah had earlier said that the government is willing to hold a discussion on Manipur in Parliament and urged the Opposition to allow the discussion to happen.

    “Several members have demanded a discussion on Manipur. It is a very sensitive issue and I am ready for the discussion. I urge all the members of the opposition that on a very sensitive issue, I do not know why the opposition does not want to allow discussion,” said Shah.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | ‘Which holy river of this country..’: DMK MP’s poem captures agony of women in Manipur

    “I urge the leader of the opposition to allow the discussion to take place and it is important that the truth comes out,” he added.

    However, the Opposition remained adamant on their demand for a statement from the PM before any discussion is held.

    Taking a swipe at the Home Minister, AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh sought to know why the PM refused to speak on the issue inside Parliament.

    “Amit Shah is not doing anybody any special favour. The perfectly democratic and legitimate demand of the parties comprising INDIA is for a statement by the Prime Minister on the Manipur situation first followed by a discussion. The Home Minister is totally silent on this. What is the hesitation in getting the PM to speak inside Parliament first?” he asked.

    ALSO READ | PM should make statement on Manipur situation, MPs have valid demand: Former J-K governor Malik

    The Opposition has intensified its attack on the government after the video of two women being paraded naked by a dozen men sparked outrage last week. The Prime Minister during his customary interaction with media outside Parliament, said that ‘the entire country has been shamed and assured that the guilty will be punished.

    About 150 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes which broke out on May 3.

    Meanwhile. both the Houses of Parliament were adjourned on Monday after the presiding officers declined to hold a discussion under Rule 267. Several members moved adjournment motions to discuss the Manipur issue in both Houses. The Parliament has not been functioning since the Monsoon session began on July 20.

  • Pressure on PM Modi to intervene as Manipur situation remains fluid

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: With violence in Manipur continuing unabated, the chorus for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention is growing louder. Parliament is likely to witness noisy scenes and disruption on Monday as well, as the Opposition parties have planned joint protests on the situation in Manipur. 

    While the Opposition has been pressing for a statement from PM Modi in Parliament before a discussion on the issue, the government’s position has been that home minister Amit Shah will speak instead. On Sunday, civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, who hails from Manipur, urged the prime minister to immediately intervene to address the situation. Describing the incident of strip-and-parade of two tribal women as ‘inhuman’, she also demanded that Manipur CM Biren Singh admit his failure and apologise to the people. 

    Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal, who reached Imphal on Sunday, appealed to Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani to visit the strife-torn state to understand the ground situation and the extent of people’s suffering.

    Meanwhile, 78 Meiteis left Mizoram for Imphal, Guwahati and Kolkata in three different flights on Sunday, a day after 56 of them left for Imphal by a flight from Aizawl.  Reports also said 31 Mizo students left Imphal for Aizawl by a flight on Sunday over security concerns. 

    In the fresh bout of violence that erupted on Saturday evening at Kwakta near the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, three persons were reportedly injured. According to official sources, two groups were engaged in a gunfight till the early hours of Sunday, during which shots were fired intermittently. 

    NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI: With violence in Manipur continuing unabated, the chorus for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention is growing louder. Parliament is likely to witness noisy scenes and disruption on Monday as well, as the Opposition parties have planned joint protests on the situation in Manipur. 

    While the Opposition has been pressing for a statement from PM Modi in Parliament before a discussion on the issue, the government’s position has been that home minister Amit Shah will speak instead. 
    On Sunday, civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, who hails from Manipur, urged the prime minister to immediately intervene to address the situation. Describing the incident of strip-and-parade of two tribal women as ‘inhuman’, she also demanded that Manipur CM Biren Singh admit his failure and apologise to the people. 

    Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal, who reached Imphal on Sunday, appealed to Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani to visit the strife-torn state to understand the ground situation and the extent of people’s suffering.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Meanwhile, 78 Meiteis left Mizoram for Imphal, Guwahati and Kolkata in three different flights on Sunday, a day after 56 of them left for Imphal by a flight from Aizawl.  Reports also said 31 Mizo students left Imphal for Aizawl by a flight on Sunday over security concerns. 

    In the fresh bout of violence that erupted on Saturday evening at Kwakta near the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, three persons were reportedly injured. According to official sources, two groups were engaged in a gunfight till the early hours of Sunday, during which shots were fired intermittently. 

  • Manipur violence: Tribal-dominated districts in Gujarat observe bandh; AAP, Cong support shutdown

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: A shutdown was observed in tribal-dominated regions of Gujarat on Sunday to protest against the failure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur to control the ethnic strife there.

    Several market places in Tapi, Valsad, Dahod, Panchmahal, Narmada and Chhota Udepur among 14 districts with sizable tribal population were deserted as shops remained closed and groups of people observed sit-in dharna as part of the ‘bandh’.

    The shutdown call was given by various tribal organisations and was supported by the opposition Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP).

    Speaking to the media, AAP’s working president and MLA Chaitar Vasava said the violence in Manipur had shaken the entire nation.

    ALSO READ | Manipur: Furious women seek reprisals over ‘heinous’ abuse video

    “A total of 52 talukas in 14 Gujarat districts responded to the bandh call and remained closed.

    Many people, including those representing farmers, social, religious and business organisations, supported the bandh.

    We hope the government will stop the violence in Manipur,” Vasava said.

    More than 160 people have lost their lives since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

    The May 4 incident, in which two tribal women were paraded naked in Kangpokpi district there, videos of which went viral, has sparked national outrage.

    READ MORE | Oppn MP’s to hold protest in Parliament complex on Monday to press for PM’s statement on Manipur

    AHMEDABAD: A shutdown was observed in tribal-dominated regions of Gujarat on Sunday to protest against the failure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Manipur to control the ethnic strife there.

    Several market places in Tapi, Valsad, Dahod, Panchmahal, Narmada and Chhota Udepur among 14 districts with sizable tribal population were deserted as shops remained closed and groups of people observed sit-in dharna as part of the ‘bandh’.

    The shutdown call was given by various tribal organisations and was supported by the opposition Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Speaking to the media, AAP’s working president and MLA Chaitar Vasava said the violence in Manipur had shaken the entire nation.

    ALSO READ | Manipur: Furious women seek reprisals over ‘heinous’ abuse video

    “A total of 52 talukas in 14 Gujarat districts responded to the bandh call and remained closed.

    Many people, including those representing farmers, social, religious and business organisations, supported the bandh.

    We hope the government will stop the violence in Manipur,” Vasava said.

    More than 160 people have lost their lives since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

    The May 4 incident, in which two tribal women were paraded naked in Kangpokpi district there, videos of which went viral, has sparked national outrage.

    READ MORE | Oppn MP’s to hold protest in Parliament complex on Monday to press for PM’s statement on Manipur

  • Manipur violence: Tribal belt in Gujarat to observe bandh on July 23; Congress extends support 

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: A bandh will be observed in the tribal belt of Gujarat on Sunday in protest against the ethnic violence and atrocities on women in Manipur, a tribal leader said.

    The opposition Congress has decided to support the bandh in protest against the ruling BJP’s “failure” to control the situation in the north-eastern state, a party spokesperson said on Saturday.

    Several tribal outfits, including Adivasi Ekta Manch, have come together to call for a shutdown in the tribal-dominated districts of Gujarat.

    “On Sunday, a bandh will be observed in the tribal belt in Gujarat as per the call given by the tribal community to protest against violence and atrocities against women in Manipur; Madhya Pradesh urination incident, and atrocities on tribals in Gujarat,” said tribal leader Praful Vasava, who recently resigned from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    He said the call for a shutdown is not announced under the banner of any single organisation or a political party but with the consensus of various tribal and other socio-political organisations.

    “Several tribal organisations have given a call for a bandh to protest against the Central government’s stance on Manipur. They requested Congress for support to the bandh and the party has decided to fully support it. The BJP is responsible for the situation in Manipur,” said Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi.

    A video shot on May 4 surfaced on Wednesday, showing two women from one of the warring communities in Manipur being paraded naked by a few men from the other side, sparking national outrage.

    Gujarat accounts for around eight per cent of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of India which is mainly concentrated in the eastern districts of the state.

    More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

    AHMEDABAD: A bandh will be observed in the tribal belt of Gujarat on Sunday in protest against the ethnic violence and atrocities on women in Manipur, a tribal leader said.

    The opposition Congress has decided to support the bandh in protest against the ruling BJP’s “failure” to control the situation in the north-eastern state, a party spokesperson said on Saturday.

    Several tribal outfits, including Adivasi Ekta Manch, have come together to call for a shutdown in the tribal-dominated districts of Gujarat.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “On Sunday, a bandh will be observed in the tribal belt in Gujarat as per the call given by the tribal community to protest against violence and atrocities against women in Manipur; Madhya Pradesh urination incident, and atrocities on tribals in Gujarat,” said tribal leader Praful Vasava, who recently resigned from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    He said the call for a shutdown is not announced under the banner of any single organisation or a political party but with the consensus of various tribal and other socio-political organisations.

    “Several tribal organisations have given a call for a bandh to protest against the Central government’s stance on Manipur. They requested Congress for support to the bandh and the party has decided to fully support it. The BJP is responsible for the situation in Manipur,” said Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi.

    A video shot on May 4 surfaced on Wednesday, showing two women from one of the warring communities in Manipur being paraded naked by a few men from the other side, sparking national outrage.

    Gujarat accounts for around eight per cent of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of India which is mainly concentrated in the eastern districts of the state.

    More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.