Shivanand Pandit
Manipur remains engulfed in violence, with the recent escalation serving as a stark reminder of the failure of both the State and central governments to address the ongoing crisis. The deepening wounds of this strife-torn region call for a compassionate, inclusive approach to healing that encompasses all affected communities. A political solution, developed with the active involvement of civil society, is the only viable path forward. The responsibility now lies with the central government to intervene and stem the tide of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The worsening situation highlights the political parties’ failure to take effective action in curbing the simmering ethnic tensions that have plagued the State.
Manipur has been descending into chaos for over a year and a half, with little hope for an immediate resolution. The violence has intensified, with farmers working in paddy fields being targeted by snipers from hilltops. On November 11, in Jiribam district, a clash between militants and security forces resulted in the deaths of 10 armed insurgents. Officials stated that the fatalities occurred during retaliatory gunfire after the militants launched an attack on security personnel and displaced civilians seeking refuge nearby. The ongoing ethnic conflict, which erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has devastated the state. Women, children, and the elderly have borne the brunt of the violence, with more than 250 lives lost and over 60,000 people displaced.
Manipur has become a stark example of the failure of the BJP’s much-touted “double-engine ki sarkar” slogan, which promises synergies between a state and central government controlled by the same party. The state’s ongoing crisis has exposed serious flaws in the BJP’s governance model, particularly in its handling of the escalating violence. Despite his inability to effectively address the conflict, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has managed to cling to power, with the BJP high command continuing to back him, stubbornly resisting calls for his removal. His leadership has been widely criticized for its ineffectiveness in managing the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023, and his continued presence in office has drawn increasing scrutiny.
Biren Singh’s troubles have deepened in recent weeks, as a Kuki civil society organization has demanded a thorough investigation into his alleged role in inciting the violence. The group has approached the Supreme Court, calling for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Chief Minister’s involvement, based on the release of controversial audio clips that are said to implicate him. These clips, which have surfaced in the media, allegedly contain conversations suggesting that Biren Singh may have played a role in stoking ethnic tensions. The organization has called for the authenticity of these tapes to be investigated, as they may provide crucial evidence of political complicity in the violence.
The Supreme Court, which is now considering the matter, has made it clear that it does not appreciate any attempts to “brush things under the carpet,” signalling its intent to ensure that the allegations are thoroughly examined. The court’s remarks have further placed Biren Singh’s position under the microscope, as the demand for accountability grows louder. However, the onus now lies with the petitioner to prove the authenticity of the audio clips and establish a clear link between the Chief Minister and the incitement of violence. If the allegations are proven true, it could have serious political ramifications for Biren Singh and the BJP’s continued hold on power in the state. As the legal and political pressure mounts, the Chief Minister’s position looks increasingly untenable, with growing calls for a comprehensive investigation and accountability for those responsible for the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The Centre must intensify its efforts
The NDA government’s efforts to mediate between the warring factions in Manipur have thus far proven unsuccessful and have failed to yield any meaningful results. There remains a significant and growing disconnect between the central government and the people of Manipur, particularly those in the state’s tribal communities. The concerns and aspirations of the local population continue to be ignored, and the government has shown little inclination to address the root causes of the unrest. Two particular decisions by the Centre — the fencing of the India-Myanmar border and the revocation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) — have sparked strong opposition from several tribal organizations in the state. These groups argue that such policies threaten the long-standing social, cultural, and economic ties that have existed between the tribal communities on both sides of the border. However, despite the widespread opposition, the central government appears unwilling to reconsider its stance on these decisions, further alienating the local population.
While security forces continue to conduct targeted operations aimed at apprehending miscreants and maintaining order, the situation in Manipur remains far from stable. What is urgently needed is a broader approach, one that empowers the genuine civil society in the state. Civil society, which spans the various ethnic groups in Manipur, must be encouraged to take a more prominent role in reversing the social polarization that has taken root. These are the voices that should be driving the discourse on peace and reconciliation, not the armed factions — often supported by political elements — on both sides of the conflict. The ongoing crisis cannot be reduced to a simple law-and-order issue, as the Centre and State governments have attempted to frame it. At its core, the conflict stems from the longstanding demand of the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which has met with strong resistance from the Kuki community, who primarily inhabit the hilly regions of the state.
Rather than engaging with the complex social and political issues at the heart of the conflict, both the central and state governments have treated the crisis as a mere security problem, focusing on law enforcement measures while sidestepping the fundamental grievances of the communities involved. This failure to address the core issues has allowed the situation to deteriorate further, with tensions escalating between ethnic groups. The political leadership, both at the state and national levels, has abdicated its responsibility to engage with the real concerns of the people and to facilitate a constructive dialogue. The ongoing crisis highlights the shortcomings of the political establishment, which has failed to address the legitimate demands of the Meitei and Kuki communities.
If peace is to be restored in Manipur, the government must shift its focus from a purely law-and-order approach to one that prioritizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the resolution of underlying issues. The Centre must take a more proactive and thoughtful role in bringing all stakeholders to the table, addressing their concerns, and fostering an environment where the voices of civil society and the people of Manipur can lead the way forward. Without such an approach, the situation in the state will continue to deteriorate, and the political establishment will only deepen the crisis through its inaction.
Given these complexities, restoring peace in Manipur requires more than just a security solution. What is needed is a comprehensive political settlement—one that accommodates the interests and concerns of both the Meitei and Kuki communities and ensures their peaceful coexistence. This can only be achieved through an inclusive political process, with the Centre playing a central role in facilitating dialogue and brokering a durable peace agreement.
The central government has the resources and institutional capacity to make a difference in this regard. It can bring together political leaders, community representatives, and security forces to create a framework for lasting peace. This could involve addressing the Kuki demand for greater autonomy, while also ensuring the political rights and security of the Meitei population. While such a solution is likely to be difficult and contentious, it is only through sustained engagement and compromise that the cycle of violence can be broken.
The recent surge in violence is undoubtedly a setback, but it should not be seen as a reason for the central government to step back. On the contrary, it underscores the urgency of the Centre’s intervention. In this volatile environment, only the central government has the leverage, authority, and means to nudge both the Meitei and Kuki communities toward meaningful dialogue and, ultimately, a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The Centre must redouble its efforts, engage with all stakeholders, and remain committed to finding a long-term political solution that can bring lasting peace to Manipur.
The writer is a tax specialist, financial adviser, author, guest faculty and public speaker based in Goa. He can be reached at [email protected] or 9822983420
(Disclaimer: The views expressed and perspectives presented in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views this publication.)
