New Delhi: An MP from the Mizo National Front (MNF), a member of the NDA, faced microphone muting during a Rajya Sabha session after arguing against labeling “tribal people in Manipur as Myanmarese.”
As the Opposition called for a discussion on Manipur under Rule 167, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar adjourned the session, with MNF MP K Vanlalvena’s speech excluded from the record.
Addressing the situation in Manipur, Vanlalvena referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech in the Lok Sabha, where he mentioned uncontrolled infiltration from Myanmar following a military coup.
Facing further silencing from Dhankhar, the entire Opposition backed the MNF MP, some even rallying in the Well with slogans.
The legislative agenda then proceeded, with the rapid passage of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which enables those qualified under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act to register as pharmacists.
Dhankhar adjourned the House for the day amidst continued Opposition protests.
In a subsequent interview with The Indian Express, Vanlalvena emphasized his Mizoram origins, asserting that the tribal people in Manipur are Indian, with a longstanding presence before the British administration, the British expedition to India, and Indian Independence, refuting the “Myanmarese” label.
He expressed regret over the treatment of tribals in the state, claimed the Manipur government’s pre-planned violence, and highlighted the Manipur issue as a key electoral concern in the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls.
The MNF, a prominent critic of the Manipur government’s handling of the clashes, is also the ruling party in Mizoram, and Mizoram CM Zoramthanga has questioned the response from both state and Central governments regarding the violence.
Amidst the conflict between the Kuki-Zomi tribes and the dominant Meiteis, over 12,000 individuals have sought refuge in Mizoram.
The MNF’s primary political adversary in the state, the Zoram People’s Movement, has extensively discussed the Manipur situation, leading Vanlalvena to predict it will be a significant election issue, with all Mizo parties aligning on this aspect concerning Manipur.
I raised Manipur issue at Parliament session today's afternoon ie The 10th Aug 2023 .Hon'ble Chairman switched it off my microphone while I just began to speak.I continued my speech without microphone in the midst roarings of Opp MP's. pic.twitter.com/tIcpfCRWrq
— K. Vanlalvena MP(Rajya Sabha) (@VanlalvenaK) August 10, 2023
