India opposition presses PM Modi on persistent Manipur violence
Violence in the remote northeastern state of Manipur in India shows no signs of abating, even as citizens across the country are protesting a disturbing video depicting a sexual assault incident in the region. Opposition politicians in New Delhi are now intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for more decisive action to address the situation.
The strife in Manipur has been unfolding since early May, marked by a deadly conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community residing in the valley districts and the mostly Christian Kuki-Zo tribe inhabiting the hills. This ongoing confrontation has already claimed the lives of over 100 individuals.
However, the recent emergence of a video showing two Kuki-Zo women being stripped and assaulted by a crowd of Meitei men has shocked the nation and compelled Prime Minister Modi to make his first public statement on the crisis last week, expressing deep shame for the incident.
In the wake of the video's release, opposition leaders in Parliament, who have united under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) for the upcoming general election, have been demanding a more robust response from Modi's government regarding the underlying ethnic violence in Manipur.
In a symbolic move aimed at compelling the Prime Minister to address the situation, the opposition is now attempting to pass a no-confidence vote against Modi, although its chances of success are slim.
Public outrage and frustration, ignited by the disturbing video, extend beyond the government's inaction. Other institutions, such as the National Commission of Women, have faced criticism for their sluggish response to complaints about sexual violence in Manipur.
Observers note that various parties share the blame for the current state of affairs. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, many are accused of prioritizing political gains over genuinely addressing the crisis. Patricia Mukhim, editor of the Shillong Times, a news outlet in the northeastern region, commented on this situation, stating that both the ruling and opposition parties are attempting to manipulate public sentiment without taking effective action.
As the violence continues to grip Manipur and the nation grapples with the shock of the assault video, the call for immediate and meaningful intervention grows louder. The spotlight remains on Prime Minister Modi, as the Opposition persistently urges him to take decisive steps to quell the ongoing violence and address the root causes of the strife in the region.
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