Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, criticizing the handling of the strife-torn state, as the Supreme Court urged for a healing approach and sought answers from the Centre on the escalating sexual assaults in Manipur.
On Monday, the West Bengal assembly passed a motion condemning the violence in Manipur, facing resistance from the BJP. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay presented the motion during the assembly session, triggering Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's strong criticism of the BJP and the Union government's handling of the strife-torn state.
During the discussion on the motion, Banerjee called for a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Manipur, expressing her dismay at the lack of direct intervention in the state's affairs. She emphasized, "If the Prime Minister is unable to restore peace in Manipur, then let us (INDIA) be allowed to restore peace."
"The Prime Minister should make a statement on Manipur. It is a matter of shame that the PM can go on foreign trips, but can't go to Manipur," Banerjee said.
However, Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, opposed the discussion, citing that the matter was sub-judice. He asserted, "We will move court against this illegal decision to allow discussion on Manipur. This is against the ethos of the federal structure", according to PTI.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence against women in Manipur. The court called for a comprehensive mechanism to address the issue during a hearing on a batch of petitions related to the ongoing ethnic clashes in the state.
The apex court described the sexual assault against women in Manipur as "horrendous" and criticized the state police for their lack of action. Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, "Time is running out for us, there is a great need to have a healing touch in the state." He posed several questions to the Centre, seeking information on zero FIR registrations, arrests made, and the status of rehabilitation for the affected people.
In response, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, assured the court of the government's cooperation and willingness to have the apex court monitor the investigation. He stated, "The government has nothing to hide. This court can monitor the situation."