K. Vanlalvena, an MP of the Mizo National Front (MNF) which is an NDA ally, alleged his mic was switched off in the Rajya Sabha while he was arguing about the Manipur crisis.
Vanlalvena was speaking on Friday, August 11, 2023, about the recent violence in Manipur. He was criticizing the government's handling of the situation, and he specifically took issue with a statement made by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Shah had said that the tribal people in Manipur are Myanmarese. Vanlalvena disagreed with this statement, and he said that the tribal people in Manipur are not Myanmarese. He said that they are Mizo people, and they are Indian citizens.
Vanlalvena was in the middle of his speech when his mic was switched off. He immediately protested, and he asked why his mic was switched off. However, the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, did not respond to his question.
Vanlalvena's mic was switched off for a few minutes, but it was eventually turned back on. However, he was not able to finish his speech. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned soon after, and the issue of the Manipur crisis was not discussed further.
Vanlalvena's mic being switched off is a matter of concern. It is important for MPs to be able to speak freely in Parliament, and it is especially important for them to be able to speak out against the government when they disagree with it. The fact that Vanlalvena's mic was switched off is a sign that the government is trying to silence dissent.
This incident is also a reminder of the importance of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, and it is essential for a healthy democracy. When the government tries to silence dissent, it is a threat to democracy.
We must all stand up for freedom of speech, and we must all demand that the government respect the right of MPs to speak freely in Parliament.
