The northeastern state of Manipur, a region fraught with historical complexities and ethnic diversity, has once again plunged into the darkness of violence. The recent resurgence of unrest, communal clashes, and socio-political tensions has cast a long shadow over the state, threatening the fragile peace that has eluded it for decades. As Manipur teeters on the brink, the question arises: who is to be blamed for this unrest? Is it the government, both state and central, that has failed to ensure peace? Or the ethnic and insurgent groups to blame, or should we point fingers at the pervasive socio-political dynamics that have fueled distrust and division? Furthermore, the Indian Opposition’s politicization of the issue by blaming the government has only deepened the crisis. As the flames of violence threaten to engulf the state, it is imperative that all political parties, irrespective of their ideologies, come together to seek a collective resolution rather than engaging in a fruitless blame game. Manipur has always been a mosaic of diverse ethnic communities, each with its distinct identity, culture, and aspirations. However, this diversity has often been marred by deep-seated ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The recent wave of violence, which erupted over issues like land rights, reservations, and political representation, is not an isolated event but a culmination of years of unresolved conflicts. Successive governments, irrespective of their political colors, have failed to address the root causes of these tensions, allowing them to simmer beneath the surface, only to erupt violently at intervals. The government’s lack of a coherent policy to address these ethnic grievances has exacerbated the situation. The failure to engage with the communities meaningfully and the tendency to use a heavy-handed approach to quell dissent have only fueled further animosity (including, historically, the use of the Indian Air Force by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru). The state’s geographical vulnerability as a bordering region with China adds another layer of complexity, as it is also a hotspot for cross-border insurgency and smuggling activities. This strategic location has often been exploited by insurgent groups to further destabilize the region, leaving the common people caught in the crossfire.
The blame for Manipur’s unrest does not rest on one shoulder alone. The state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has been criticized for its failure to anticipate and prevent the escalation of violence. The administration’s response has often been reactive rather than proactive, focusing more on controlling the damage after the violence has already broken out. The lack of timely intelligence, coupled with a failure to read the socio-political pulse of the region, has led to a situation where preventive measures have fallen by the wayside. Equally culpable is the central government, which has displayed a marked disinterest in addressing the region’s concerns with the urgency they deserve. For a region as sensitive as Manipur, where violence has far-reaching consequences not only for the state but for India’s national security and foreign policy, a lackadaisical approach is a recipe for disaster. The central government’s focus seems to have been more on maintaining a semblance of control rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue to address core issues. The role of local leaders and community representatives has also been questionable. Instead of acting as mediators, they have often fanned the flames of ethnic hatred to serve narrow political ends. Their reluctance to engage in dialogue and their vested interest in maintaining the status quo have contributed to the cycle of violence. In this context, the need of the hour is a paradigm shift in how the political class approaches the crisis in Manipur. Instead of indulging in the blame game, all political parties—whether in power or opposition—must rise above their ideological differences to work toward a common goal: peace and stability in Manipur. It is not the time to score political points but to acknowledge that the failure to resolve the issue would mean further suffering for the people of Manipur.
This necessitates a two-pronged approach. Firstly, there must be an immediate cessation of violence, and this can only be achieved through coordinated efforts by both the state and central governments. Law enforcement agencies must be empowered to act swiftly and impartially, ensuring that all those responsible for inciting violence are brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliations or ethnic backgrounds. Secondly, and more importantly, there needs to be a comprehensive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society, and insurgent groups. This dialogue must be inclusive, transparent, and aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict rather than providing mere lip service. Issues like land rights, political representation, and economic opportunities need to be tackled head-on, with assurances that all communities will be treated fairly and equitably. Manipur’s descent into chaos serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace in conflict-ridden regions. The blame for the current unrest does not lie with any one party or group; it is a collective failure of governance, leadership, and political will. If the political class continues to engage in petty blame games, the price will be paid by the people of Manipur, who have already suffered enough. It is time for a unified, concerted effort to address the issues plaguing the state. Only by working together can we hope to bring lasting peace to this troubled region. The choice is clear: work together for peace or risk losing Manipur to the flames of perpetual violence.
