A 21-MP delegation of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) left on Saturday for a two-day visit to Manipur to assess the ground situation and make recommendations to the government and Parliament. This comes as a part of efforts to help resolve the ethnic conflict primarily between the Kukis and the Meiteis that has roiled the state since May 3. At least 150 people have been killed and over 50,000 have been displaced so far.
The delegation, from at least 21 political parties, will be visiting both — the valley and hill areas. The delegation will also call on Manipur governor Anusuiya Uikey on Sunday. The details of the non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance’s first visit to the state were shared by Congress MP and whip in Rajya Sabha Naseer Hussain during a press conference at the AICC headquarters in Delhi.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, says “The Central government is saying that peace has been restored in Manipur, so why are people staying in relief camps? Why are they unable to go back to their homes? We would like to accompany PM Modi if he decides to visit Manipur with an all-party delegation”
Welcoming the delegation, former Manipur CM and Congress leader, Okram Ibobi Singh said that they will hold discussions on the demand for the resignation of his successor, N Biren Singh, for failing to rein in the violence in the state. “We are extremely happy that this delegation of Opposition leaders has reached Manipur. They should visit the relief camps and meet people, who have been away from their homes for almost 3 months now. They should inform the central government about the situation on the ground so that normalcy could be restored at the earliest. We will also discuss the demand for the resignation of the Manipur CM.”