The Manipur unrest Lok Sabha debate turned into a fierce political battleground on Tuesday as opposition leaders blasted the Centre for failing to restore peace in the conflict-torn state. Lawmakers from multiple parties accused the government of neglecting the worsening humanitarian crisis and showing indifference towards ethnic violence that has continued since May 2023.
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Opposition Targets Centre on Manipur Crisis
Members of the opposition opened the debate with scathing criticism of the Centre’s silence and delay in acting on the volatile situation in Manipur. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who initiated the discussion, said the Prime Minister’s prolonged silence has hurt the people of Manipur more than the violence itself.
He questioned why the Prime Minister had not visited the state even after more than a year of violence. “We don’t need just military deployment,” he said. “We need leadership, empathy, and political courage.”
The opposition accused the government of allowing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to spiral out of control, leaving over 200 people dead and thousands displaced.
BJP Defends Its Track Record
In response, BJP MPs dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Union Home Minister Amit Shah argued that the government had already deployed enough security forces and held regular meetings with both community leaders and state officials.
He added that peace talks were ongoing and claimed that “sensationalising” the issue in Parliament would only deepen divides.
However, the opposition refused to back down. They countered that while the Centre spoke about law and order, people in Manipur continued to suffer from displacement, hunger, and a lack of medical aid.
The Manipur unrest Lok Sabha debate reflected deep divisions between both sides, not only on the cause of the violence but also on the Centre’s handling of internal conflict.
Congress Calls For President’s Rule
The Congress party strongly demanded that Article 356 be imposed in Manipur, calling for the dismissal of the N. Biren Singh-led state government. They alleged that the state administration had collapsed and become partisan in handling the conflict.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, said, “The chief minister cannot be neutral in this crisis. He has lost the moral and constitutional right to stay in power.”
Opposition leaders also presented data showing delays in relief distribution and rehabilitation of displaced families. They accused the state of shielding those responsible for ethnic killings and arson attacks.
NDA Allies Express Concern Too
In a surprise turn, some NDA allies expressed unease over the Centre’s handling of the situation. JD(U) and TDP leaders asked for more transparency in peace-building efforts. They urged the Union government to take a more active role in reconciliation between the warring groups.
The Manipur unrest Lok Sabha debate even saw some ruling party MPs urging the Centre to ensure a visit by a central fact-finding team. They said such a step would send a message of solidarity and help rebuild public trust.
Humanitarian Crisis Takes Centre Stage
Beyond political blame games, many MPs focused on the growing humanitarian emergency. They highlighted how people living in relief camps lack basic amenities like drinking water, toilets, and medicines. Children have dropped out of school, and women face increasing cases of sexual violence and mental trauma.
Congress MP from Manipur, Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, spoke emotionally about the plight of displaced communities. He said, “We are not just losing lives; we are losing generations to fear, mistrust, and hatred.”
NGOs and church groups also submitted letters to MPs, urging urgent measures such as mobile hospitals, trauma counselling, and food relief for affected villages.
PM’s Silence Raises More Questions
Perhaps the most repeated point during the Manipur unrest Lok Sabha debate was the Prime Minister’s silence. Despite growing public outcry and widespread media coverage, the PM has made no visit to the state or issued a detailed address in Parliament on the crisis.
Rahul Gandhi, while addressing the House, said, “If the Prime Minister can visit foreign countries frequently, what stops him from going to Imphal for even a day?”
Opposition MPs carried placards demanding answers and even walked out briefly in protest during Shah’s speech.
Government Promises Follow-Up Action
Facing pressure from all corners, the government assured that a follow-up plan was being implemented. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, said the Centre would send another review team to assess the situation on the ground.
He claimed that fresh development packages would be announced for both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups to promote reconciliation. However, he did not confirm whether the Prime Minister would visit Manipur or meet displaced families.
Looking Ahead: Can Parliament Push Peace?
As the Manipur unrest Lok Sabha debate came to a close, the question lingered—will the discussion lead to real change? While political parties remain divided, the common appeal was clear: restore peace and rebuild trust before the conflict scars the state permanently.
Civil society groups have urged Parliament to form an all-party delegation to visit Manipur and interact with affected communities directly.
For now, the spotlight remains on the Centre. Will it take bold political steps to heal Manipur—or wait until the next Parliament session to respond?
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