Kolkata (Agency): The West Bengal assembly is scheduled to table a motion on July 31 to discuss and condemn the recent ethnic violence in Manipur, which has resulted in the loss of over 160 lives. The motion aims to address the humanitarian crisis that the northeastern state is facing.
The decision to table the motion was taken during an “all-party meeting,” which, notably, the opposition BJP chose to boycott. Despite the BJP’s absence, the Business Advisory committee meeting on Wednesday confirmed that the motion would be presented on July 31.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, known for her criticism of the “divisive” policies of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Manipur, will be among the speakers addressing the situation in Manipur during the motion.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay highlighted the urgency of the discussion, stating that the entire country is terrified and concerned about the violence and suffering faced by women and children in Manipur. He emphasized the need to address and protest against such atrocities.
Chattopadhyay also expressed disappointment with the role of the central government in the matter and asserted that the assembly members would use this opportunity to register their protest against the prevailing situation.
The violence in Manipur erupted on May 3 during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ held in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The ensuing ethnic violence has resulted in a significant loss of lives and injuries.
In West Bengal, the opposition BJP has been boycotting all-party meetings and business advisory committee meetings in recent sessions. The party stated that it intends to oppose any discussion on Manipur in the assembly and instead wants to address the violence during the recently held panchayat polls, which led to several fatalities, and highlight atrocities against women in the state.
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul conveyed the party’s stance, accusing the state government of diverting attention from the issues of violence against women in West Bengal. Despite their desire for a discussion on these matters, they claim that they have not been allowed to do so.
