European Parliament member seeks update on Manipur crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 02 2024:
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Manipur, Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Bert-Jan Ruissen, representing the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, has submitted a written question to the European External Action Service (EEAS) seeking updates on its efforts to implement the urgency resolution passed in July 2023 regarding the situation in Manipur.
The resolution, prompted by the enduring ethno-religious violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities, highlights concerns over the escalating crisis.
Specifically, MEP Ruissen has sought information from the EEAS regarding actions taken to pressure the Indian government into facilitating independent investigations into the violence, granting humanitarian access, providing aid to affected populations, and undertaking measures to quell violence in the state.
The EEAS is expected to provide a response within the next six weeks on its progress in advancing the resolution with India, or reasons for any lack thereof.
Progressive Indian diaspora groups, including Foundation The London Story, view this step as integral to holding both the EU and India accountable to their shared commitments to human rights.
The EU and India have emphasised that their relationship is grounded in democratic values and human rights, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address armed conflicts.
The European Parliament passed the resolution on July 13, 2023, urging the Indian government to intervene and halt ethnic violence, enable international investigations, and facilitate humanitarian aid access.
In the resolution, the European Parliament has issued a strong call to the Indian authorities, urging them to tale decisive action to promptly halt the ongoing ethnic and religious violence in Manipur.
Emphasising the need to safeguard all religious minorities, particularly the Christian community in Manipur, the Parliament has urged India to pre-empt any further escalation of the conflict.
Furthermore, the Parliament has called upon all parties involved to exercise restraint and cease inflammatory rhetoric.
It has emphasised the importance of political leaders playing an impartial role in mediating tensions, denouncing any nationalistic rhetoric in the strongest terms.
Additionally, the Parliament has stressed the necessity for those critical of the government's conduct not to face criminalisation.
Encouraging urgent steps to restore calm, the Parliament has urged India's central government, political actors, and religious leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue involving civil society and affected communities.
The resolution also called for independent investigations into the violence, addressing impunity, and ending the internet shutdown.
It demanded unhindered access for humanitarian aid providers, international observers, and journalists.
Moreover, the Parliament reiterated its call for human rights to be integrated into all areas of the EU-India partnership, including trade and urged for reinforcement of the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue along with calling for systematic and public raising of human rights concerns with India, particularly regarding freedom of expression, religion, and the shrinking space for civil society.
Furthermore, the resolution advocates for regular dialogue between the European Parliament and the Parliament of India.