Narendra Modi's government defeats no-confidence motion over ethnic violence in Manipur state
ABCThe government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defeated a no-confidence motion in parliament on after a fiery speech by the premier at the climax of a three-day debate. Key points: Armed clashes broke out in Manipur in May between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community At least 152 people have been killed since Mr Modi faced a barrage of criticism from opponents for taking more than two months to speak about the conflict Opposition lawmakers — who had brought the motion over months of ethnic violence in Manipur state — walked out of the chamber on Thursday, prompting a furious rebuke from the premier, with the government then winning the vote. The walkouts, according to broadcasters, included Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, who on Wednesday said Mr Modi's government was "set on burning the whole country". Its muscular appeals to India's Hindu majority have proven a winning formula, and Mr Modi has already steered it to two landslide victories over Mr Gandhi and his Congress party. At least 152 people have been killed in Manipur since May, according to government figures, after armed clashes broke out between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community.