New Delhi [India], March 30 (HBTV): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur, despite the state witnessing prolonged violence and now being under President’s Rule.

Taking to X, Gandhi stated, ‘Yesterday, I met with Congress leaders from different communities of Manipur in Parliament. It’s deeply concerning that after nearly two years of violence and now President’s Rule, PM Modi has still not visited the state.’

Highlighting the need for peace and stability, he added, ‘The people of Manipur deserve peace and stability. Every Indian stands united in wanting a lasting solution to this crisis. Resolving this conflict must be our national priority.’

The situation in Manipur remains tense, with violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The state has been under President’s Rule since February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023.

Meanwhile, Gandhi also opposed the central government’s decision to permit offshore mining along the coasts of Kerala, Gujarat, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, calling it a move that threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi criticised the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, stating that it had faced strong objections due to concerns over its environmental and socio-economic impact.

He pointed out that the decision to open offshore mining blocks to private players was made without rigorous environmental assessment or consultation with stakeholders.

‘The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 was met with strong objections. Opening up offshore mining blocks to private players without any rigorous assessment of its impact was concerning. Studies point to its adverse impacts, including threats to marine life, damage to coral reefs, and depletion of fish stock. Against this backdrop, when the Ministry of Mines invited tenders for the grant of licenses for 13 offshore blocks, protests erupted against this arbitrary move. Among these are three blocks for mining construction sand off the coast of Kollam—a vital fish breeding habitat—and three blocks for polymetallic nodules off the coast of the Great Nicobar Islands, a marine biodiversity hotspot,’ Gandhi stated.

‘In fact, an ongoing survey by the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) of the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries found that offshore mining could have a devastating impact on fish breeding, especially in Kollam,’ he added.

The Lok Sabha LoP urged the government to immediately cancel the offshore mining tenders and conduct comprehensive environmental and socio-economic studies before proceeding with any further decisions. He also called for greater consultation with stakeholders, particularly fisherfolk, whose livelihoods are directly tied to the health of marine ecosystems.

‘Over 11 lakh people rely on fishing in Kerala. It is their traditional occupation and is closely tied to their way of life. Great Nicobar is globally recognised for harbouring diverse ecosystems and is home to several endemic species of wildlife. Any damage due to offshore mining could potentially cause irreparable harm. At a time when the erosion of our coastal ecosystems has worsened the impact of natural calamities like cyclones, it is concerning that the government is wilfully greenlighting activities without scientific assessment,’ Gandhi said.

‘I strongly urge the government to cancel the tenders issued for the offshore mining blocks. Furthermore, rigorous scientific studies must be undertaken to assess the environmental and socio-economic impact of offshore mining. But most importantly, all stakeholders, especially our fisherfolk, must be consulted before any major decision is taken. Their lives are intertwined with the fate of our oceans. Let us work collectively towards building a sustainable future for all,’ he asserted.

(ANI)