Union Minister Anurag Thakur Challenges Opposition's Stand On Manipur

New Delhi, July 31 (TNA) Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur has criticized the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) Opposition delegation for avoiding discussions on the Manipur issue. The 21-member delegation, led by various parties, visited Manipur to assess the ongoing ethnic strife and violence but did not engage in the discussion as expected.

Thakur has questioned the Opposition's refusal to participate in the dialogue, emphasizing that the government has been ready for talks since day one. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also extended an invitation for discussions. Thakur urged the Opposition to share their experiences from the two-day visit to Manipur and actively take part in the dialogue.

Furthermore, Thakur criticized the Congress for not addressing the violence when they were in power, and he urged them to focus on the situation in Bengal where they are currently fighting elections. He urged the Opposition to participate in parliamentary discussions instead of causing chaos for attention, highlighting that the government is prepared to hold a debate on the Manipur issue.

Since the beginning of the monsoon session of the parliament, the I.N.D.I.A. alliance has been seeking an elaborate discussion and a statement from Prime Minister Modi regarding the Manipur issue.

The conflict in Manipur began after the High Court ordered the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. This move sparked tensions between the majority community and the ST-seeking Meiteis regarding land ownership in the hilly areas.

In summary, Union Minister Anurag Thakur challenges the Opposition's avoidance of discussions on the Manipur issue and calls for constructive parliamentary dialogue to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.