The European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution on the situation in Manipur has drawn criticism from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which called it “unacceptable.” Such meddling in Indian affairs, according to MEA spokeswoman Arindam Bagchi, exhibits a “colonial mindset.”

Arindam Bagchi responded to media inquiries on the development by saying, “We have seen that the European Parliament held a discussion on developments in Manipur and adopted a so-called Urgency Resolution.”

“Such interference in India’s internal affairs is unacceptable, and it reflects a colonial mindset,” he said.

According to Arindam Bagchi, all levels of Indian government, including the court, are aware of the circumstances in Manipur and are acting to uphold peace, harmony, and the rule of law.

The MEA spokeswoman also suggested that the European Parliament focus more of its efforts on internal problems.
“Indian authorities at all levels, including the judiciary, are seized of the situation in Manipur and are taking steps to maintain peace and harmony as well as law and order,” the official added.
“The European Parliament would be well advised to utilise its time more productively on its internal issues,” he continued.

In a press conference earlier on July 12, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated that EU MPs are being contacted and that it has been made clear to them that it is a problem that is “absolutely internal to India.” Notably, ethnic violence has occurred in Manipur since the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) demonstration on May 3.

Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday in response to a question about whether the European Parliament intended to approve a resolution on Manipur, “This is a problem wholly domestic to India. What is occurring in the European Parliament is known to us. We have also spoken out to the concerned EU lawmakers, but we have been quite clear that this is a completely internal Indian issue.

The MEA statement follows the adoption of a resolution by the European Parliament on the Manipur crisis that urged all parties to display calm and urged political leaders to “cease inflammatory statements.”

It pleaded with the authorities to permit an unbiased investigation into the violence. The Indian government, as well as all other political figures and religious figures, were urged by the European Parliament to take action to promote inclusive discussion and restore peace.