The opposition on Tuesday (July 25) voiced concerns about the implementation of the ‘Act East Policy’ in the context of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, highlighting the importance of addressing the situation in the northeastern state. Opposition leaders are calling for the Prime Minister to make a statement in the Parliament about the distressing events unfolding in Manipur, despite the escalation of violence and brutality.
In a tweet, sharing a video interview given to news agency ANI, Congress president and the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Malliakrjun Kharge said: “You don’t see Act EAST Policy on the North East, but you do see EAST India Company! The British East India Company had been defeated by this INDIA. This INDIA had also defeated the Indian Mujahideen. When are you going to make a statement in Parliament about the brutality and horrific violence in Manipur?”
“When will peace be restored in Manipur by healing the people’s wounds? The opposition is directing the country’s course. The Prime Minister has lost his sense of direction,” his tweet in Hindi read.
RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha also responded to PM Modi’s remarks about the opposition alliance ‘INDIA,’ emphasising the importance of respectful and constructive political discourse. Recognising that political opponents have different visions for India, Jha urged the Prime Minister to avoid using expletives because such language reflects poorly on his leadership.
“We are political opponents with alternative versions of the same India. We are not at odds with one another. If you use such expletives for political opponents that only shows you in bad light,” Jha was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I believe the Prime Minister should take a step back and seek serious counselling. He should refer to the books that have shaped the contours of our thinking. Reading Gandhi would most likely help him,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote to opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, requesting their “invaluable cooperation” in discussing the Manipur issue in Parliament.
In letters to Kharge, and Chowdhury, the Congress leader in Lok Sabha, Shah stated that the government is willing to discuss the Manipur issue and urged everyone to work together, regardless of party affiliation. Click here to read more.
Stay updated with Live coverage of the Manipur situation – click here for the latest news and developments.