Manipur unrest: As RS chair shuts door, Oppn asks Prez to step in

Firefighters try to douse a fire started by miscreants at the houses of Kuki-Zo community, in imphal, on Tuesday. Two abandoned houses were torched by unidentified people on Wednesday, too. Pic/PTI

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday said he cannot issue a directive to the prime minister to come to the House.

Opposition leaders have been demanding a discussion under Rule 267 of Rajya Sabha. Dhankhar said he had received 58 notices under Rule 267 demanding a discussion on the Manipur unrest. He, however, did not accept the notices saying they were not in order.

Rule 267 allows for suspension of the listed business for the day to discuss an issue suggested by a member.

Dhankhar gave the floor to Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak. The Congress chief said he has given eight points in his notice, underlining why the discussion on Manipur should be held under Rule 267 and the PM should make a statement in the House. He cited the number of people killed and injured in the state.

But, Dhankhar said, "I had...indicated...that from this Chair I will be violating my oath if I impart a directive for the presence of the PM. That has never been done."

Later, leaders of INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a memorandum, demanding Modi's statement in Parliament and that he visit the strife-torn state and make an appeal to the warring communities to end the violence.

"We implore you to press upon the PM to urgently address Parliament... We urgently request your kind intervention to establish peace and harmony in the state without any further delay. Accountability for the devastation of the past 92 days must be determined," the memorandum also said.

It said her support and intervention are crucial in alleviating the suffering of the people of Manipur. Kharge later said that the President has assured to look into their memorandum and demands.

14,000
No. of schoolchildren displaced in violence

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