Opposition MPs Tour Violence-Hit Manipur: Accused of Being 'Kumbhkaran-like Sleepers

A multi-party delegation representing the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), a prominent opposition group, is slated to embark on a visit to Manipur this Saturday. The primary objective of this visit is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing ground situation in the northeastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3.

In a collective decision, the Opposition has assembled a delegation comprising 21 Members of Parliament hailing from 16 diverse political parties. Their presence aims to demonstrate solidarity and concern for the situation unfolding in Manipur. During their visit, the delegation plans to visit two relief camps in the affected areas, aiming to gain first-hand insights into the conditions faced by the affected communities.

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The itinerary also includes a scheduled meeting with Manipur Governor, Anusuiya Uikey, on Sunday morning. This meeting is anticipated to foster discussions on the state's current challenges and explore potential avenues for support and resolution.

Notably, given the gravity of the situation and the urgency to comprehend the extent of the recent violence in Churachandpur, the delegation has requested the local state government's assistance in arranging helicopters for their visit to the troubled region. This measure underscores the delegation's commitment to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the on-ground realities and challenges faced by the local populace.

As the multi-party delegation ventures into the heart of Manipur, their efforts signify a collective endeavor to engage constructively with the situation and contribute to finding viable solutions for restoring peace and stability in the violence-affected region.

Top updates on who said what ahead of Opposition's Manipur visit

1. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed concern about the deteriorating law and order situation in Manipur, noting that the Prime Minister seems unaware of the tensions in the state. He stated that during the upcoming week, they plan to bring the concerns of the people of Manipur to Parliament. Gogoi highlighted that some groups, who once advocated for a united India, have contributed to dividing Manipur.

2. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury urged everyone not to politicize the issue. He questioned why the Prime Minister had not visited Manipur until now and compared the government's inaction to "sleeping like Kumbhkaran." Chowdhury suggested that the Opposition's efforts had compelled the government to finally respond.

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3. Congress MP Naseer Hussain emphasized that the Opposition's delegation visit to Manipur aims to convey a message of concern and support to the affected people of the state.

4. IUML MP ET Muhammed Basheer stated that the primary intention of the delegation is to gather facts and information about the situation in Manipur. They plan to hold discussions with officials, visit affected areas, meet the victims, and offer them consolation and a message of harmony. The delegation aims to raise the issue with all the experiences they gather during the visit.

5. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant expressed the delegation's objective of promoting peace and harmony between the communities in Manipur.

6. CPI MP P Santhosh Kumar mentioned that the delegation, representing various political parties in the I.N.D.I.A alliance, is heading to Manipur for a two-day visit. Their goal is to visit several camps and affected areas, demonstrating that the I.N.D.I.A alliance is not just for elections but also to raise the voice of the people.

7. RJD MP Manoj Jha explained that their motive is to understand the collective pain of the people of Manipur and sensitively present it to the Prime Minister when he addresses the Parliament.

8. DMK MP Kanimozhi, part of the delegation, said they plan to meet the people of Manipur to express their support and stand with them. They have also requested permission to meet the Manipur Governor. Kanimozhi expects the Prime Minister to respond to the discussion on Manipur in Parliament.

9. TMC MP Sushmita Dev, another member of the delegation, stated their intention to meet members of both communities in Manipur and ensure that the people's voices are heard. She emphasized that the state government is responsible for providing security to everyone.

10. The 21-member Opposition delegation, comprising MPs from both Houses, includes representatives from Congress, JDU, Trinamool Congress, DMK, CPI, CPI(M), RJD, SP, JMM, NCP, IUML, RSP, AAP, Shiv Sena (UBT), VCK, and RLD.