The Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament on Thursday began on a stormy note as the opposition parliamentarians created a commotion over the violence in the northeastern state of Manipur.
Earlier in the morning, both the Houses, the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and Lok Sabha (Lower House), were adjourned as a mark of respect to the Members of the House who passed away recently.
However, when the proceedings reconvened, the Houses were adjourned again amid the Opposition's demand to discuss the violence in Manipur.
On Wednesday, a video of two women who were made to walk naked in Manipur went viral on social media and evoked widespread criticism. As per the media reports, the video is dated May 4.
Two women from the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur were being paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a mob of men. The incident reportedly took place in Kangpokpi district. According to media reports, one woman was 40 years old while the other one was 20 years old.
Manipur State Chief N. Biren Singh has ordered a police investigation. While talking to the media, Singh said that Federal Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani spoke to him and the Chief Secretary on the horrific incident. He has assured the minister of speedy action against the perpetrators of the crime.
Congress chief and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge urged chairperson Jagdeep Dhankar to “suspend all other business” to discuss Manipur, whereas Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentarian Derek O’Brien said the Prime Minister should speak up.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media ahead of the session. He condemned the Manipur incident as “shameful for any civilized society.”
“I assure the nation that no guilty person will be spared. Law will take its course with all its might. What happened with the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven,” Modi said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks as he arrives on the opening day of the monsoon session of the Indian parliament
© AP Photo / Manish Swarup
At the Parliament Session, he urged the parliamentarians to utilize it for the people’s development.
“This session is important in more ways than one. The Bills being introduced will benefit the people directly. The Data Protection Bill will boost the confidence of the youth who are leading the society with the digital world and put India on the global digital map."
He also emphasized the importance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill and the Jan Vishwas Bill.
The National Research Bill is meant to pave the way for setting up the NRF, which will seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D). It will also encourage a culture of research and innovation in the country's universities, colleges, research institutions, and Research and Developments labs.
The Jan Vishwas Bill aims at amending certain enactments to decriminalize and rationalize minor offences with an objective to enhance trust-based governance for ease of doing business and living.
BJP Slams Opposition For Disruption of Parliament
Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal, meanwhile, slammed the Opposition for causing a commotion in Parliament.
“When the government has made it clear that we are ready to discuss the Manipur incidents, Congress and other Opposition disrupted the proceedings of the House and did not let discussions take place as per the rules. This makes it clear that they absolutely do not want the Parliament to function,” he stated.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi too condemned the commotion created by the Opposition, saying: “I spoke yesterday too about this. They (Opposition) don't want the House to function, so they are bringing caveats beforehand. They demanded a discussion (on Manipur) and when we said yes to it, they are looking for new excuses. This is not right.”