EU parliament slams BJP’s ‘nationalist rhetoric’, passes resolution on Manipur violence
India says 'internal matter'
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France coincided with the European Parliament adopting a motion on the violence in Manipur, India. The motion expressed condemnation for the nationalist rhetoric employed by key members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and called for the European Union (EU) to prioritize human rights and democratic values in its engagement with India. The EU Parliament's resolution highlighted concerns over violence, loss of life, property destruction, and violations of human rights in Manipur, particularly affecting minorities, civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists.
While the Indian government maintained that the issue was an internal matter, the EU Parliament underscored allegations of harassment, challenges faced by women, and accusations against the BJP of divisive ethnonationalistic policies. The resolution cited instances of violence along ethnic and religious lines, leading to casualties, displacement, and destruction of property and places of worship. It also acknowledged past secessionist insurgencies in Manipur, accompanied by human rights abuses.
The EU Parliament called on India and local authorities to facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid, allow independent investigations, refrain from inflammatory statements, and play an impartial role in mediating tensions. Additionally, the resolution urged the withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the region and the restoration of internet services. It proposed joint efforts between the EU and India to address human rights issues, including those pertaining to ethnic and religious minorities, freedom of religion, and belief. The establishment of a regular EU-India Human Rights Dialogue at the highest level with defined criteria and benchmarks for progress was also recommended.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
