Amit Shah introduced a resolution in the Rajya Sabha regarding the President's Rule in Manipur. He stated that restoring peace is the top priority. No deaths have been reported in the last four months.
Manipur Violence: A statutory resolution confirming the President's Rule imposed in Manipur, effective from February 13th, was passed in the Rajya Sabha early Friday morning (around 4 AM). This resolution, previously passed in the Lok Sabha, was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and accepted by voice vote.
Restoring Peace is the Government's Top Priority: Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah stated that restoring peace in Manipur is the government's highest priority. He explained that the resolution was brought before Parliament within two months, as per the Supreme Court's order. Shah also clarified that no deaths have occurred in the state in the last four months, while a total of 260 deaths have been reported since the violence began.
Court Ruling Cited as Cause of Violence
Shah attributed the outbreak of violence in Manipur to a court order granting reservation to a particular caste. However, he noted that the Supreme Court stayed this order the very next day. He stated that the government has made every effort to bring the situation under control and that the current focus is on peace and rehabilitation.
Shah Urges Opposition to Avoid Politicization
The Home Minister appealed to the opposition to refrain from politicizing the Manipur issue. He mentioned that Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had already resigned, following which the Governor recommended President's Rule due to a lack of majority. He further stated that the government will soon take steps to initiate dialogue between the two communities.
Mallikarjun Kharge's Statement
Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the government and demanded a judicial inquiry into the violence in Manipur. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not visiting Manipur yet. Kharge termed the BJP's "double-engine" government in the state a failure and attributed the situation to the central government's negligence.
