Author: Supriya Jena

In New Delhi, a discussion in the Rajya Sabha marked 75 years of India’s Constitution. Members from the ruling party talked about the negative effects during the Emergency and praised the removal of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. They claimed this change, among other benefits, helped improve the rights of Dalits.

Opposition members argued that the current government is breaking important rules of the Constitution. They suggested that the rights of minorities are under threat, elected governments are falling, and governors are misusing their power.

Union Minister Hardeep Puri explained that Article 370 was not in line with the ideas of India and was introduced without Parliament’s help. He pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi bravely removed it despite fears that this could cause trouble. Puri also praised government efforts to protect Sikh rights and named December 26 as Veer Bal Diwas.

Sanjay Jha from JDU spoke about the struggles during the Emergency when people’s rights were taken away. He reminded everyone of the serious riots in Bihar during the Congress party’s rule.

In contrast, Congress members claimed the current government threatens important institutions. MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Indian Constitution has succeeded for decades, while many other nations have struggled. He emphasized that the Constitution supports diversity and unity, but today there is fear and division among people.

Singhvi criticized the government’s “bulldozer politics,” which targets specific communities. He claimed governors are acting against elected officials, turning the Constitution’s solid foundation into something weak.

Mukul Wasnik, a former minister, countered claims about Nehru’s work in Jammu and Kashmir, saying he improved conditions there.

Independent MP Kapil Sibal raised a big question: “Has the Constitution failed us or have we failed the Constitution?” He pointed out that a small number of people in India hold most of the wealth. He questioned how political justice can exist when governments are dismissed quickly. Sibal also called for a review of how the Election Commission is working

Guwahati: Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that some groups are sending misleading information to the government in New Delhi. But the Central government has figured this out and is now gathering facts directly from local sources.

Recently, two migrant workers from Bihar were killed, and seven people have been arrested in connection with these murders. These workers were shot by unknown gunmen in Kakching district on December 14. The Chief Minister suspects that political groups might be involved and stated that they will find out who is responsible.

Biren Singh condemned the killings, calling them a terrible act of terrorism. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, saying that this act goes against our values. The government has announced a payment of Rs 10 lakh (about $12,000) to each family of the victims.

If necessary, the case will be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a complete and fair investigation.

Recently, after finding the bodies of six missing women and children in Jiribam district, there have been violent reactions. In a separate incident, about ten armed militants were killed in a firefight, leading to injuries among two CRPF officers. A security advisor mentioned that since May 3 last year, 258 people, including militants, have died in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities. This conflict started after the Meitei community sought more rights, causing unrest in the region.