MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on India, the situation in Manipur

11.7.2023 - (2023/2781(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Alviina Alametsä, Hannah Neumann, Saskia Bricmont, Ignazio Corrao, Nicolae Ștefănuță
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0335/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0335/2023

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on India, the situation in Manipur

(2023/2781(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its report on EU-India relations of April 2021,

- having regard to its rule 144;

A. Whereas since May, the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur has witnessed a spiral of inter-communal violence, mainly between the majority Meitei community (mostly Hindu) and the Kuki tribal group (mostly Christians); whereas during that period over 100 people have been killed, close to 40.000 persons displaced and at least 1.700 houses and religious sites destroyed;

B. whereas Manipur has a long history of human rights abuses and complex inter-ethnic disputes and grievances; whereas armed separatist groups have been accused of killings and extortion since the 1950s;

C. whereas military and state security forces have been accused of committing serious human rights, whilst enjoying impunity for such acts; whereas rights groups accuse the State government from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of stoking ethnic divisions through its local policies and statements, including in relation to the latest clashes;

1. Expresses its deep concern at the outbreak of inter-communal violence in Manipur state over the past months; deplores the heavy loss of lives and calls for an immediate end to the violence;

2. Calls on the Indian authorities to avoid further militarization and to order the military and paramilitary forces to refrain from the use of force; carry out an impartial investigation into the killings and other rights abuses, including by law enforcement officers; hold the perpetrators accountable and work with local communities to address the root causes of the violence;

3. Supports local calls for inclusive, inter-communal dialogue and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission;

4. Calls on the authorities to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all those affected, lift the internet blackout and allow access to international observers and journalists;

5. Deplores the democratic and human rights backsliding across the country under the leadership of Prime minister Modi; reiterates its concern about the stifling of fundamental freedoms, notably under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act;

6. Reiterates its call for human rights to be integrated across the EU-India partnership, including in its trade dimension; urges the High Representative/Vice President, EU Commissioners and Member States leaders to systematically raise human rights concerns with their Indian counterparts, notably as regards freedom of expression, media freedom, religious minorities, the shrinking space for civil society and continued caste discrimination;

7. Calls on the EU delegation and member states’ representations in India to prioritize support to civil society and to use all available instruments to increase their support for independent journalists and human rights defenders, including by pressing for the dropping of charges and the release of those detained, including Khurram Parvez;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.