MPs From Opposition Bloc INDIA Reach Manipur To Evaluate Ground Situation

A delegation of 21 MPs from the opposition bloc, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) reached Manipur on Saturday for a two-day visit to access the ground situation in the violence-hit state.

The delegation includes Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who will recommend solutions to the Government and the Parliament to curb the issues of Manipur, based on their observations.

The team of the opposition MPs sought the use of helicopters locally from the state government to visit Churachandpur, where fresh violence has taken place. 

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “We are not here to do politics, all of us have to try for a peaceful solution to end conflict in Manipur."

While addressing the media TMC MP Sushmita Dev said, "This is my second visit to Manipur; I witnessed the affected people expressing their concerns about when they can return home. The Central Government's failure to send a delegation led us to come here. It seems like the Home Minister was unaware of Manipur's situation since May 3. After 90 days, a CBI investigation was initiated. It means that the Home Minister did not have the IB report. On television, the Home Minister mentioned reviewing the situation."

Welcoming the delegation, Former Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh, said, "We are extremely happy to welcome this team representing MPs from around 26 political parties. They should visit the relief camps and meet people who are out of their homes for almost 3 months now. They should inform the Govt about the situation so that normalcy is restored as early as possible. We will discuss with the members regarding our demand for the resignation of the Manipur CM.”

After visiting a relief camp in Churachandpur district, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "During our conversations with the refugees, we assured them that everything will be alright, and we are making every effort to help them. Peaceful coexistence is the only viable option, spanning from Manipur to Madhya Pradesh. We kindly requested them not to believe that the state, the INDIA alliance, or the central government is inactive. We are striving for a logical healing process and a resolution to the situation."

On July 27, the newly formed opposition alliance decided to wear black clothes to the Parliament as a mark of protest over the Manipur situation.

The Congress and other opposition parties demanded a detailed discussion on the situation in Manipur and a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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