Oppn steps back, may take 'middle path' on Manipur in Upper House

Proposes debate under Rule 167, which the govt is okay with; may happen on August 11

- PREETHA NAIR

THE stalemate in the Rajya Sabha over the Manipur situation is likely to end as the Opposition on Thursday offered a “middle ground” to initiate a discussion on the matter at a meeting with the government’s floor leaders.

In a climbdown from its demand for a discussion only under Rule 267, the Opposition proposed the discussion under Rule 167, which involves a motion. According to experts, under Rule 167, a motion can be moved and a discussion held.

Speaking to this newspaper, a senior Opposition leader who attended the meeting said that the parties have suggested debate under Rule 167 and the government appears to be in agreement with the idea.

“Both the sides were open for