EU Parliament condemns India over Manipur violence, New Delhi slams 'colonial mindset'

On the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in France to kick off his two-day visit, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the ruling government over the Manipur violence and urged them to protect the rights of the minorities.

“MEPs [Members of the European Parliament] call on the Indian authorities to allow independent investigations to look into the violence, to tackle impunity and to lift the internet ban,” the legislators in the resolution stated.

The resolution denounced “in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)”.

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Hours later, India sharply slammed the European leaders, and asked them not to interfere in its internal matters and added that proper steps are being taken to ensure peace in the northeastern state.

The debate on the Manipur clashes was added to the parliament agenda on Wednesday to discuss about cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law during its ongoing plenary session in Strasbourg, France.

'Indiapromoting Hindu majoritarianism'

The resolution highlighted the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’s concern in October 2020 in which it had urged the Indian government to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders, shrinking space for civil society and the accusations made by human rights organisations against the BJP of “divisive ethno-nationalistic policies.”

The resolution said that there have been concerns about “politically motivated, divisive policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism in the area”.

“Whereas violence in India’s Manipur state has erupted along ethnic and religious lines between the mainly Hindu Meitei community and the Christian Kuki tribe, leading to a cycle of violence with over 100 people killed, over 40,000 displaced and the destruction of property and places of worship,” the resolution said.

“Whereas Manipur has previously faced secessionist insurgencies in which serious human rights abuses were committed. Whereas, in the latest round of violence human rights groups have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government in Manipur and nationally of implementing divisive ethno-nationalistic policies which oppress in particular religious minorities.”

India's Manipur state on the boil, Internet snapped since first week of May

New Delhi's response

Responding to the resolution, Indian Ministry of External Affair's official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the debate reflects Europe's "colonial mindset", and told them to stop meddling in India's internal matters.

"We have seen that the European Parliament held a discussion on developments in Manipur and adopted a so-called Urgency Resolution. Such interference in India's internal affairs is unacceptable and reflects a colonial mindset."

"Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order.The European Parliament would be well advised to utilize its time more productively on its internalissues,” he said

Manipur violence

Violent ethnic clashes between the Kuki and majority Meitei communities since May 3 have paralysed the state, as widespread violence and arson continue to deepen the crisis. At least 150 people have been killed and nearly 60,000 have been displaced.

(With inputs from agencies)

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