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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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
