Opposition stages overnight protest in Parliament complex over Manipur crisis, suspension of AAP MP Sanjay Singh

Opposition leaders continued their protest on Parliament premises through Monday night, reiterating calls for debate on the Manipur crisis. Members of the newly named INDIA have sought a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the suspension of regular proceedings to discuss the ethnic clashes. The agitators have also  opposed the suspension of Rajya Sabha MP and AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Monday afternoon.

The protest, which began on Monday morning, will see leaders of the INDIA alliance taking turns with a team sitting near the Gandhi statue through the night. Senior leaders said that it is slated to continue on Tuesday.

"All parties have drawn up rosters of their leaders who will represent them through the day and night. Leaders will take turns. There is full solidarity among the parties. While the move is to protest Singh's suspension. It is also a protest demanding the PM speak on Manipur whether in Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha," a senior leader told PTI.

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The last time an all-night protest was organised by the opposition leaders was in July last year when 20 suspended Rajya Sabha members started a 50-hour relay protest inside the Parliament complex.

While the BJP-led ruling coalition has indicated its willingness to debate the Manipur violence, lawmakers from the two sides are unable to agree on the nature of these discussions. The INDIA combine has remained adamant about its demand for the PM to open the discussion with several parties rebuffing the government's efforts to placate them. 

The two groups are also unable to agree on the duration or importance accorded to the topic. While the BJP has expressed its willingness to hold a short term discussion under Rule 176 the Opposition wishes to suspend regular proceedings under Rule 267 to address the situation. 

(With inputs from agencies)