Derek O'Brien Slams PM's Neglect of Manipur Crisis Amid Frequent Foreign Travels

Rajya Sabha, 4 April, 2025 -In a recent Rajya Sabha address, Mr. Derek O'brein highlighted the stark contrast between the Prime Minister's extensive travel and his lack of attention to Manipur. Over the past 22 months, the Prime Minister has travelled approximately 380,000 kilometres—equivalent to the distance from Earth to the Moon—yet has not visited the violence-stricken state.

Mr. Derek drew attention to the severe unrest in Manipur, affecting children, women, and the elderly. He and his team visited the state and submitted a report to the President of India. However, despite 22 months passing, no concrete action has been taken.

During his visit, a local resident told him, "For every month this problem lasts and festers as a wound, it will take years to fix." Reinforcing this concern, Mr. Derek asserted that the 22-month-long crisis could take 22 years to resolve.

Mr. Derek criticised the way Manipur's crisis is handled in Parliament, highlighting that discussions are scheduled at odd hours, limiting meaningful debate. He also condemned the lack of time given to opposition members to address the issue properly.

Expressing solidarity with Manipur’s people—irrespective of religion—he acknowledged the suffering of women, referencing a widely publicised incident involving two women. He affirmed his commitment to standing with Manipur, despite lacking a political presence in the state.

Ending his speech, Mr. Derek sent a clear message to the Prime Minister: "When you hurt people, they begin to love you less," quoting Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. He urged immediate intervention to prevent further suffering.

Mr. Derek's speech underscored the urgency of recognising and addressing Manipur’s ongoing crisis. His plea serves as a reminder that political accountability and empathy are crucial in resolving the state’s prolonged turmoil.

By Catholic Connect Reporter