Manipur Crisis Motion Declined in Rajya Sabha: MP Sushmita Dev Vows to Fight On

In a dramatic turn of events at the Rajya Sabha yesterday, the motion raised by Sushmita Dev, Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha representative, to suspend all business and discuss the ongoing crisis in Manipur was rejected by the Chair. The rejection came despite Dev’s impassioned plea under Rule 267, citing the dire need for the House to address the “alarming and continuing crisis” that has engulfed the state for over a year.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Dev expressed her disappointment, stating, “Manipur’s citizens are practically living without any rights. Schools remain closed, internet and communication services are non-existent, and peace is a distant dream. On Constitution Day, when we discussed values of our constitution it is heartbreaking to see Manipur being deprived of these very ideals.”

Motion Raised Under Rule 267

Sushmita Dev’s motion called for the suspension of Zero Hour and Question Hour to prioritise a discussion on five critical issues related to Manipur:

1. Unrelenting Violence: Over 250 deaths and thousands injured in targeted killings, with incidents spilling into bordering areas like Cachar in Assam.

2. Governance Failures: Alleged lapses in state administration and inability to contain violence effectively.

3. Atrocities Against Women: The horrific use of violence against women, including a recent brutal incident in Jiribam on 7th November.

4. Humanitarian Crisis: Thousands displaced, many living in over 350 relief camps without proper access to food, healthcare, or psychological support.

5. Economic Collapse: Shutdown of businesses, disrupted transportation, and abandoned agriculture causing widespread economic uncertainty.

Despite the urgency of these issues, the Chair declined the motion, stating that there are other procedural rules through which such discussions could be raised. The Chair also urged MPs to foster dialogue in their respective regions and work towards upholding the rule of law.

Dev, vowed to continue her fight for the people of Manipur and neighbouring areas affected by the crisis. She highlighted how the violence and unrest in Manipur have begun impacting bordering regions like Cachar, making it a pressing concern for Assam as well. “I will not stop until peace and normalcy are restored,” she asserted.