Manipur conflict – still not worth a single day at Parliament

‘We don’t want a 2-minute Maggi noodle discussion on the issue of Manipur’ TMC MP Derek O’Brien sums up the collective frustration being felt by not only the people of Manipur but every thinking Indian on the attitude of flagrant disregard and utter neglect of the present and worsening situation in the border state of Manipur in regard to the continuing rejection of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar to the demand by the opposition to discuss the Manipur issue under rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha Rulebook which allows for the suspension of the day’s business to debate on any issue suggested by a member. While citing the particular rule as a mechanism for causing disruption, the response is shocking to put it mildly as it reiterates the dismissive nature of the Modi-led central government to the violent conflict which is entering its third month with no signs of abating or more importantly no concrete plan being put in place to bring an end to the continuing violent conflict which has claimed more than a hundred lives and tens of thousands rendered homeless with the numbers climbing up with each passing day.
If the present situation in Manipur does not warrant even a single day of discussion and deliberation in the parliament, then how much worse should things get to qualify for a proper discussion rather than a mere two-hour mention as a routine procedure just to get things out of the way and be swept under the carpet and continue with their daily lives for Manipur is just a patch of land with more obligations rather than benefits for those walking the corridors of power at the capital.
The contradictory and manipulative nature of those delegated to bring a solution to the festering violence can also be gauged from the claims by the Kuki organisations spearheading the move for a separate administration that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured them that no state security force will be allowed to be stationed at Moreh. It would be an unfortunate and unwarranted statement from the Union Home minister if he indeed gave those reassurances, but if past experiences are to be any indication, one should take these statements with a pinch of salt.
The increasing show of apathy and secret dealings by the central government of various conflicting parties and representatives of the people is yet another cause for concern as the lack of clarity and cohesion in dealing with the present crisis is fuelling more speculations and false propaganda which in turn is deepening the already widening divide between the two conflicting sides.
The unfortunate present conflict has slowly but surely began to show the true nature of the leaders who have been espousing their concern and dedication for the development of this state especially when elections are around the corner. But this time around the welcome and fervent cheers will be different and hopefully confined to jeers.