Manipur: ‘Nation is watching,’ opposition alliance demand PM Modi to make comprehensive statement at Parliament

Amid the nationwide uproar over Manipur violence, the opposition alliance INDIA demands that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make a comprehensive statement on sexual atrocities in the state at Parliament. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that a discussion on the issue can take place only after PM Modi's statement

This comes as the Centre has agreed to hold a short-duration discussion on the Manipur issue with the Home Minister replying to it, but the opposition is adamant on its demand for the prime minister's statement first.

In a tweet, Ramesh said, "The 3rd day of Monsoon session of Parliament begins today. INDIA's demand is straightforward. PM should make a comprehensive statement on the horrific post-May 3 developments in Manipur, after which a discussion would take place to express our collective sense of pain, anguish and desire for reconciliation."

"No 5D drama that PM does to escape responsibility in such situations: He denies, 'distorts', diverts, deflects and 'defames'. Will he rise to the occasion? Manipur is waiting. The nation is watching," the Congress general secretary said.

Noting that it is the responsibility of the Central govt to restore peace in the country, AAP MP Raghav Chadha said “The country demands that the Govt and PM Modi should speak on the issue of Manipur.”

Adding to it Congress MP Manish Tewari said, "The law must take its own course but there is a distinction between what is going on in Manipur and what has happened in other parts of the country.

MPs submit adjournment motion at Parliament

Several opposition leaders have given notices for adjournment motion to discuss the situation in Manipur. The opposition wants a debate allowing all parties to speak without any time restrictions and has been holding protests on the issue since the Monsoon Session started on Thursday.

The government has accused the opposition of running away from a debate on the all-important issue and has questioned their seriousness towards it. The Opposition has also accused the government of running away from a debate on the issue.

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have failed to transact any business amid the stalemate between the opposition and the government over the Manipur issue.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police on Saturday arrested another accused in connection with a viral video which showed two women being paraded naked and sexually assaulted in the state. Police said that a total of six arrests have been made so far in the incident which occured on May 4, 2023.

(With agency inputs)