Title: Indian Opposition Parties Walk Out of Parliament in Protest, Demanding Prime Minister Modi’s Response to Ongoing Ethnic Violence in Manipur State
In a dramatic turn of events, opposition parties in the Indian parliament staged a walkout in protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to address the escalating ethnic violence in Manipur state. The situation has been described by many as close to a civil war, with over 180 deaths and thousands displaced since May due to violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
The opposition not only voiced their concerns about Modi’s silence on the issue but also tabled a no-confidence vote to force him to take immediate action. However, their efforts seemingly fell on deaf ears, as Modi chose to mention the conflict only after the opposition lawmakers had walked out.
Modi’s remarks, albeit brief, offered assurance to the people of Manipur, promising to restore peace and find a solution to the ongoing crisis. Nevertheless, opposition MPs were quick to express their disappointment over the fact that Modi had not directly addressed the issue of ethnic violence, prompting them to chant “Manipur, Manipur, Manipur.”
Ignoring the protest, Modi continued his attack on the opposition, accusing them of lacking faith in India and being characterized by arrogance and incompetence. His speech, lasting over two hours, also saw him express confidence in winning a third term and predict that India would become the world’s third-largest economy.
The walkout not only highlighted the opposition’s frustration but also showcased their unity as they staged a collective walkout, demonstrating their alliance called INDIA. This alliance intends to challenge Modi in the next general election, further raising the stakes for the ruling party.
The no-confidence motion against Modi, expectedly defeated due to his government’s strong majority, underscored the uphill battle faced by opposition parties. Despite this setback, their protest serves as a reminder that the issue of ethnic violence in Manipur remains a critical concern for the nation.
It is worth noting that last month, a distressing video emerged showing the assault on two women. While Modi did condemn the incident, he did not provide a comprehensive address of the overarching conflict. This further fueled the opposition’s demand for immediate action and a robust strategy to address the ethnic violence prevalent in Manipur.
As the Indian political landscape witnesses these intense debates and clashes, all eyes are now on the upcoming general elections, where the opposition alliance, INDIA, aims to challenge Modi’s government and seek a new direction for the country.
