In another French city, Strasbourg, shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Paris on a state visit, the European Parliament (EP) Called for “immediate” action to stop the violence in Manipur and protect religious minorities. After a debate on the issue on Wednesday evening, a motion was passed by show of hands on Thursday. The government called the actions of the EU legislature “unacceptable”.

What was said in the resolution of the European Parliament? , The EP resolution asked the government to “protect all religious minorities such as the Christian community of Manipur and prevent any further escalation”. It also called on the authorities to provide journalists and international observers uninterrupted access to the region and end internet shutdowns. The resolution called on the government to “repeal the illegal Armed Forces Special Powers Act in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review”.

calling for primacy on human rights ) Through the motion, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called on the EU to give prominence to human rights in its dialogue and relations with India – an issue raised repeatedly during the pre-vote debate I went. An unexpected mix of left-wing and right-wing parties came together in the process, which also approved two other resolutions on rights in Venezuela and Kyrgyzstan. During the debate, the MEP expressed concern not only about Manipur and its minorities, but about India as a whole.

)Befitting reply from India On the other hand, on behalf of India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi called the European move “unacceptable” and reflective of “colonial mindset” in a statement. “Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are aware of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order,” Mr. Bagchi said. He suggested that the EP should focus on its “inner self” instead. issues”.

Member of European Parliament criticized PM’s policies Whereas Member of the European Parliament, Pierre Lartourou (Group of Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) criticized Mr. Modi and the policies of the government. And, “they must accept democratic functioning, no longer criminalizing anyone who criticizes government policy,” Laratoureau said, adding that the European Parliament must demand that human rights be included in the EU-India partnership, including on trade. Respect be “fully involved”. EU leaders in India have to talk about human rights publicly and systematically, he said, “Nobody is proposing to break ties with India. It is a great democracy, but it has to become a better democracy.”

)The issue of Christians raised in the European Parliament Christian Democrats (group of the European People’s Party) MEP Sven Simon, who is a member of the European Parliament, said, “We would not like to point fingers here with this proposal of the European Parliament.” “We call on the most populous democracy to do what it is obliged to do in its constitution,” he said. Simon said he was annoyed by the fact that MEPs on the Left and the Greens were finding it difficult to say Christians are also affected.

Questions raised on freedom of press Meanwhile, Finnish MEP Alvina Almetsa (Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance) criticized the Modi government, saying, “Press freedom has been limited.” “Journalists and activists arrested for false reasons.” Has gone, discrimination and hatred has increased. And this is what I personally saw when I visited India in December,” he said, calling for human rights and democracy to be at the core of India-EU relations, including trade ties. , Ever since ethnic conflict broke out in Manipur in May this year More than in relief camps 0 people are living. Till now in violence 323 more people have died. Manipur has been burning for two whole months due to the ethnic conflict between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki. Tension escalated after a ‘tribal solidarity march’ was organized in the hill districts of the state on May 3 to protest against the Meitei’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The population of Manipur consists of Meitei people (about percent and they mostly live in Imphal Valley. Tribal – Naga and Kuki – Population 40 percent share and live in hilly districts. ,Pm ModiEuropean UnionManipur ViolencePublished Date

Fri, Jul 14, 2023, 8: 21 AM IST