Kiren Rijiju Defends Holding Manipur Debate Past Midnight

schedule Midnight Debate Sparks Controversy

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, has defended the decision to hold a parliamentary debate on the Manipur crisis past midnight, citing the urgency of the matter. The extended session, which lasted until 3:15 AM, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders who called it a deliberate attempt to avoid public scrutiny.

record_voice_over Rijiju’s Justification

"The government cannot be accused of avoiding discussions when we stayed beyond midnight to ensure that every concern about Manipur was addressed," Rijiju stated. He argued that prioritizing national security matters over political convenience was essential, emphasizing that the timing of the debate was dictated by procedural delays and opposition demands.

groups Opposition Outrage

Opposition parties, including the Congress and Trinamool Congress, condemned the move, calling it a "tactical silencing of democratic discourse." Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned, "Why was such a critical issue debated when the nation was asleep?" He accused the government of avoiding public scrutiny on Manipur’s humanitarian crisis.

home Violence in Manipur: The Context

The debate was centered around the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Reports suggest that over 180 people have died, with thousands displaced. The violence, which began in mid-2023, has escalated in recent months, raising concerns over inadequate central intervention.

campaign Government’s Measures

During the debate, Rijiju outlined the government's efforts, including increased deployment of security forces and financial aid for rehabilitation. He assured that the Centre remains committed to restoring normalcy while dismissing allegations of political bias in handling the crisis.

gavel Legal & Political Repercussions

Constitutional experts have weighed in on the matter, stating that while holding a debate at an odd hour is unusual, it is not unconstitutional. However, political analysts suggest that such timing could impact public perception of government accountability.

language International Reactions

With increasing international focus on human rights violations in conflict zones, the debate's timing has also drawn attention abroad. Human Rights Watch has called for "greater transparency and urgent action" in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Manipur.

question_mark What Happens Next?

With opposition parties planning further discussions and potential protests, the political heat over Manipur is unlikely to cool down soon. Whether the midnight debate will be seen as a responsible action or an attempt to sideline scrutiny remains a contentious issue.