MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on India, the situation in Manipur
11.7.2023 - (2023/2781(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure
Pedro Marques, Pierre Larroutourou
on behalf of the S&D Group
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0335/2023
B9‑ 0337/2023
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on India, the situation in Manipur
The European Parliament,
- having regard to it’s previous resolutions on India
- having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure
A. Whereas, the EU and India as the world’s two largest democracies have committed to protecting and promoting human rights and upholding the rule of law.
B. Whereas, minorities, civil society, human rights defenders and journalists regularly face a harassment; whereas women in particular face severe challenges and violations of their rights often related to tribal and religious backgrounds, including sexual violence and harassment;
B. Whereas, in October 2020, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, appealed to India to safeguard the rights of human rights defenders, raising concerns over shrinking space for civil society, detentions and harassment of those exercising their legitimate rights and the use of laws to stifle dissent.
C. Whereas violence in India’s Manipur state has erupted along ethnic and religious lines between the mainly Hindu Meitei community and the Christian Kuki tribe, leading to a cycle of violence with over 100 people killed, over 40,000 displaced and the destruction of property and places of worship;
D. Whereas Manipur has previously faced secessionist insurgencies in which serious human rights abuses were committed; Whereas, in the latest round of violence human rights groups have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government in Manipur and nationally of implementing divisive ethnonationalistic policies which oppress in particular religious minorities;
1. Strongly condemns the acts of violence, loss of life and destruction of property in Manipur. Denounces in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the BJP party.
2. Calls on the government of India and local authorities to allow unhindered humanitarian aid to those effected, and for independent monitors to carry out investigations.
3. Calls on all sides to exercise restraint and for political leaders to cease inflammatory statements in order to re-establish trust and play an impartial role to mediate the tensions Calls on the national and state government to start mediation efforts with all stakeholders for a just settlement upholding the rights of all communities.
4. Notes that the use of the unlawful Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), and internet shutdowns. Denounces in the strongest terms nationalistic rhetoric deployed by leading members of the BJP party. Calls on the central government to repeal the AFSPA, in line with UPR recommendations as well as those of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, calls for unimpeded internet access to be re-established.
5. Call on the EU to place human rights and democratic values at the heart of it’s engagement with India, and jointly develop a strategy to address human rights issues, particularly those concerning ethnic and religious minorities and freedom of religion and belief.
6. Recalls the need for a regular EU-India Human Rights Dialogue at the highest level establishing firm criteria and benchmarks for progress, requests that the European Parliament is regularly informed of progress.
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Indian authorities.