Delhi, 3 April (H.S.): The Lok Sabha approved a Statutory Resolution on Thursday, affirming the imposition of President's rule in Manipur, with cross-party support but criticism directed towards the Centre regarding the state's situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a brief debate, asserting that the government has undertaken all possible measures to restore normalcy in the troubled Northeastern state. He highlighted that there has been no violence in Manipur for the last four months and ongoing dialogue with both the Meitei and Kuki communities aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.
Shah acknowledged that while the situation is generally peaceful, it remains unsatisfactory as individuals are still residing in camps. The violent ethnic conflicts in Manipur were said to have been triggered by a state high court order, prompting the immediate air deployment of central forces. The minister reported that approximately 260 fatalities have occurred since the violence erupted in May 2023, with 80 percent of the casualties happening within the initial month.
Additionally, Shah refrained from drawing direct comparisons with the violence during previous administrations but instead referenced historical clashes, such as the Naga-Kuki conflicts of the 1990s that resulted in 750 deaths over ten years. He also mentioned the Kuki-Paite clashes of 1997-98, which claimed 352 lives, and the Meitei-Pangal conflicts that led to over 100 deaths. Notably, he pointed out that neither the previous prime minister nor the home minister visited Manipur during those tumultuous periods. This context underscores the complexity of the ongoing challenges in the state and the government’s commitment to addressing them.
The Home Minister emphasized that the perception of violence in Manipur being confined to the BJP's tenure is misleading. During a debate, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed support for a resolution aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region, advocating for an end to insurgency and promotion of dialogue and inclusivity. Sayani Ghosh from TMC echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for peace. DMK's K Kanimozhi criticized divisive politics, calling for a return to normalcy and the establishment of an elected government. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant raised concerns about the ongoing unrest, stressing the necessity of restoring peace. NCP (SCP) member Supriya Sule argued that President's Rule undermines democracy, urging the Home Minister to take decisive action for normalcy.
The House adopted the resolution concerning the proclamation issued by the President under Article 356(1) of the Constitution in relation to Manipur by a voice vote. The violence was ignited by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in response to a high court ruling. The central government has made several attempts to facilitate dialogue between the conflicting communities. The overall consensus from various political leaders is a collective call for peace, stability, and an end to ongoing violence and divisive tactics.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
