NEW DELHI: Opposition MPs from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey during their two-day visit to the violence-hit northeastern state.
The 21-member delegation visited several relief camps in Imphal, Moirang in Bishnupur district, and Churachandpur, where they witnessed the dire conditions and the aftermath of ethnic clashes that have been ongoing since May 3.
After witnessing the distressing situation in the relief camps, the delegation presented a memorandum to the governor, urging her to take the necessary actions to restore peace in Manipur. The memorandum also called for the Union Government to be informed about the complete breakdown of law and order in the state over the past 89 days, seeking their intervention to address the precarious situation.
A delegation of I.N.D.I.A met the Governor of Manipur on Monday and requested that the government restore peace and rehabilitate affected families at the earliest. The delegation, which included opposition MPs, also submitted a memorandum to the Governor. pic.twitter.com/5wldShE6R4
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“You are also requested to apprise the Union Government of the complete breakdown of law and order in Manipur for the last 89 days to enable them to intervene in the precarious situation in Manipur to restore peace and normalcy,” the memorandum reads.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, one of the members of the Opposition delegation, informed the governor about the pain, sorrow, depression, and fear prevalent among the people in the relief camps. “People are in pain and sorrow and feelings of depression and fear are also common in their minds,” the senior Congress leader said.
The leaders emphasised that the ongoing conflict is not merely a law-and-order issue but a deeply rooted ethnic conflict that demands special attention. They stressed the urgency of taking concrete steps to bring an end to the conflict and eliminate animosity among communities to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Chowdhury shared that the governor was receptive to their appeal and suggested organising an all-party delegation to meet leaders from all communities to find a resolution. The Governor assured that both the central and state governments are making relentless efforts to restore peace and normalcy as soon as possible.
Governor Uikey emphasised the need to bridge mistrust between the communities and remove hatred among them. She urged all stakeholders to work peacefully towards this objective.
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Furthermore, the Governor appealed to the Opposition delegation to extend their full cooperation in restoring peace and tranquillity through peaceful dialogue with representatives of civil society organisations from both communities.
“She (Governor Uikey) also suggested that together we hold talks with the leaders of all communities in the state and find a solution at the earliest,” Chowdhury said.
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The ongoing ethnic clashes have deeply affected various sections of society, including women, children, and students. The situation demands immediate attention, and the Opposition’s visit aimed to highlight the severity of the crisis and advocate for measures to end the conflict and foster peaceful coexistence.
In response to the governor’s suggestions, the Opposition MPs expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue and work towards resolving the crisis in coordination with leaders from all communities