Opposition demands PM’s address on Manipur riots in parliament

The joint opposition is demanding a discussion on Manipur riots in the presence of PM Modi

KOLKATA | Updated: 20 July, 2023 5:24 pm IST

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge charged at the Modi government, questioning his lack of appearance

KOLKATA: The first day of the monsoon session of parliament was marked by intense sloganeering and demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on Manipur riots.

Representatives of the opposition alliance parties, ‘INDIA’, held a meeting on Thursday morning at the chamber of Mallikarjun Kharge in the parliament complex to strategize their approach during the monsoon session.

The session opened with a storm over a horrifying video showing two tribal women belonging being paraded naked in Manipur in May. The opposition parties alleged that the BJP-led central government has ignored the situation in Manipur.

While PM Modi mentioned the ghastly incident of assault on Manipur women in his opening speech during the monsoon session, the opposition continues to demand a statement from him about the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

The opposition has come together to seek a detailed reply from the Prime Minister on the situation in Manipur and insists that they will accept nothing less than that. Many opposition lawmakers moved notices to adjourn the scheduled business for a discussion on the Manipur riots that has claimed more than 100 lives.

Senior Congress leader and MP Pramod Tiwari said, “We want a discussion on Manipur, and we want the PM to address this issue. The community clash is still ongoing.”

The ethnic violence Manipur broke out in early May over the issue of reservation, claiming over 100 lives and injuring thousands. Thousands have fled the state and sought shelter in other states.

The parliament’s monsoon session, which began today, will continue till August 11, with 17 sittings.