Manipur; EU Parliament discusses it but PM hasn’t said a word, alleges Rahul Gandhi

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “silence” on Manipur issue.

“Manipur burns. EU Parliament discusses India’s internal matter. PM hasn’t said a word on either! Meanwhile, Rafale gets him a ticket to the Bastille Day Parade”, Gandhi tweeted on 15 July.

Manipur burns. EU Parliament discusses India’s internal matter.

PM hasn’t said a word on either!

Meanwhile, Rafale gets him a ticket to the Bastille Day Parade.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 15, 2023

The ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur have killed more than 140 people and displaced more than 50,000 people in two months. Internet had been banned across the state since the violence broke out.

The intolerance towards minorities has contributed to the Manipur violence, said a resolution adopted by members of the European Parliament on Thursday, urging the Indian government to protect all minorities.

“MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] call on the Indian authorities to allow independent investigations to look into the violence, to tackle impunity and to lift the internet ban,” read the resolution.

The resolution also said that there have been concerns about “politically motivated, divisive policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism in the area.”

“The Manipur state government has also shut down internet connections and severely hindered reporting by the media, while security forces have been implicated in the recent killings, something that has further increased distrust in the authorities,” it said.

“MEPs also advocate for the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue to be reinforced and encourage the EU and its member states to systematically and publicly raise human rights concerns, notably on freedom of expression, religion and the shrinking space for civil society, with the Indian side at the highest level,” it added.