Northeast Desk, 18th April: Former UK Prime Minister and current British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, delivered remarks in the House of Lords regarding religious conflict in Manipur, India.
Responding to a query from the Lord Bishop of Winchester regarding the state of religious freedom in India, Cameron acknowledged the religious dimension of the unrest.
Cameron emphasized the importance of not understating the religious aspects of the conflict, acknowledging that while some strife may be communal, tribal, or ethnic, religious factors often play a significant role.
The Foreign Secretary mentioned instances where the UK government has raised concerns about religious freedom with the Indian government, indicating the necessity for continued dialogue on the matter.
Cameron referred to a report by David Campanale, highlighting instances of church destruction among both valley dwellers and hill tribes in Manipur.
Lord Singh of Wimbledon expressed concerns about religious intolerance in India, citing incidents such as the Ayodhya riots and the persecution of Christians and Sikhs. He called for prioritizing religious freedom in the Commonwealth Charter.
Cameron agreed with Lord Singh’s emphasis on religious tolerance and freedom in India, underscoring the importance of upholding these principles.
Later, Lord Purvis of Tweed queried the terms of the UK-India trade deal regarding media, data, and telecoms, emphasizing the need for mutual transparency in addressing human rights issues.