The Indian government has condemned a resolution passed by the European Parliament on ethnic violence in Manipur. The resolution, which was passed on July 13, 2023, called on India to take “all necessary” measures to stop the violence in Manipur and protect religious minorities, especially Christians. India reacted that it was “unacceptable” and a reflection of a “colonial mindset”.
The resolution was tabled by five political groups and adopted by a show of hands during the plenary session of the European Parliament. The adoption took place in the afternoon along with other votes on schedule, just after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had landed in France for an official visit.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “Such interference in India’s internal affairs is unacceptable, and reflects a colonial mindset”. The statement also said that the resolution was “an interference in India’s internal affairs.”
“Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony and law and order. The European Parliament would be well advised to utilize its time more productively on its internal issues,” he stated.
The EU resolution expressed concern that ethnic violence in Manipur over the last two months has left over 120 dead, with 50,000 displaced and destroyed 1,700 houses, over 250 churches and several temples.
The resolution called on India to “take all necessary measures and make the utmost effort to promptly halt the ongoing ethnic and religious violence, to protect all religious minorities, such as Manipur’s Christian community, and to pre-empt any further escalation.”
It also urged political leaders to “cease inflammatory statements, re-establish trust and play an impartial role in mediating the tensions”. The European Parliament also asserted that “those who are critical of the government’s conduct not be criminalized.”
The European Parliament also noted the violence had been instigated by “politically motivated, divisive policies promoting Hindu majoritarianism,” as well as increased activity by militant groups.
It observed that “accounts of partisan involvement by security forces in the killings have increased distrust in the authorities.”
The resolution adopted by the European Parliament denounced “in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the BJP party.”
It also called on union and Manipur state authorities to allow unhindered humanitarian aid to those affected, to allow independent monitors to carry out investigations and called on political leaders to stop making inflammatory statements to re-establish trust
The EU parliament asked for the restoration of internet services in the region and the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Indian authorities have said they are taking all steps to ensure peace and maintain law and order in the state.
This is not the first time India has faced criticism from western institutions and activists. During Mr Modi’s state visit to the US in June, some liberal democrats boycotted his speech to the Congress over what they said was India’s poor human rights record.