In a significant move, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution addressing the human rights situation in Manipur, India. The resolution, passed in Strasbourg, calls upon Indian authorities to take decisive measures to halt ethnic and religious violence and to ensure the protection of all religious minorities. However, the resolution has sparked a strong response from Indian officials who have criticized it as a reflection of a 'colonial mindset.'
The resolution, titled 'India, the situation in Manipur,' was initiated by Pierre Larrouturou, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) representing the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. It underlines the urgent need for Indian authorities to promptly address the escalating violence and safeguard the rights of religious minorities.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Parliament strongly urges the Indian government to undertake all necessary actions to curb the ongoing ethnic and religious clashes. It emphasizes the significance of independent investigations into the incidents, with an emphasis on impartiality and transparency.
Moreover, the MEPs called for an immediate cessation of inflammatory statements from all conflicting sides and urged them to re-establish trust and play an impartial role in mediating tensions. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of human rights integration into all aspects of the EU-India partnership, including trade.
The European Parliament, known for its commitment to upholding human rights, reiterates its call for a reinforced EU-India Human Rights Dialogue. It encourages the European Union and its member states to consistently and publicly raise concerns related to freedom of expression, religion, and the shrinking space for civil society, engaging in high-level discussions with their Indian counterparts.
Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra affirmed that the concerned EU parliamentarians had been engaged on the matter, stressing that it is an internal issue for India. He emphasized that the Indian government had reached out to the EU parliamentarians, making it unequivocally clear that the situation in Manipur is entirely internal to India.
This resolution arrives at a critical juncture as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. The Indian Prime Minister is set to participate as the Guest of Honour in the country's prestigious Bastille Day Parade, while discussions on various bilateral and multilateral matters are anticipated between the two leaders.
