How Long Can Village Volunteers Bear the Burden?

With the state’s political machinery in disarray and politicians more engrossed in blame games than effective governance, these volunteers have emerged as the protectors of their communities. However, their resilience begs a critical question: how long can they sustain this burden without the support they desperately need?
Manipur has been a hotbed of ethnic tensions and violence since May last year. Kuki militants have launched attacks against civilians, the government’s inability to provide security and peace has forced ordinary villagers to take up arms and protect their homes and families. These village volunteers are the unsung heroes in this crisis.
The sense of betrayal among these volunteers is palpable. They feel abandoned by the very leaders elected to safeguard their welfare. As politicians engage in endless debates, shifting blame, and avoiding accountability, the ground reality continues to worsen. The state machinery, which should ideally function as a well-oiled mechanism to enforce law and order, seems to have ground to a halt. This failure has left a gaping void, one that these village volunteers are struggling to fill.
This situation reflects a broader systemic failure. When the state fails to protect its citizens, it is a fundamental breach of the social contract. The primary duty of any government is to ensure the safety and security of its people. In Manipur, this duty has been grossly neglected. Politicians have prioritized their political gains over the urgent need for peace and security. Their actions—or lack thereof—are not only ineffective but dangerously negligent.
Adding insult to injury, these volunteers are now being threatened with arrest. This legal intimidation exacerbates their vulnerability and underscores the state’s failure to recognize and support their efforts. Rather than being lauded for their bravery, they are treated as criminals for taking necessary steps to protect their communities in the absence of state intervention.
The volunteers’ anger is justified. They have been thrust into roles they neither sought nor were prepared for. They are not trained soldiers; they are farmers, shopkeepers, and students who have had to become defenders of their homes. Their sacrifices are immense, yet their efforts go largely unrecognized and unsupported. The psychological toll on these individuals is significant. Constantly living in a state of alertness, facing potential attacks, and bearing the responsibility of an entire community’s safety is an unimaginable strain.
Moreover, the sustainability of such grassroots defense is questionable. Volunteers are likely to experience burnout, and without proper support and resources, their ability to continue protecting their villages will diminish. The absence of a structured support system means that these volunteers are left to fend for themselves, relying on limited resources and personal resolve.
The solution lies in immediate and concerted action from the political leadership. It is imperative that politicians set aside their differences and focus on resolving the crisis at hand. This requires a multi-pronged approach: restoring effective governance, ensuring adequate security forces are deployed to affected areas, and providing psychological and logistical support to village volunteers.
Moreover, there must be accountability. Politicians and state officials need to answer for their failures and take concrete steps to address the security vacuum. This includes not only immediate measures to quell violence but also long-term strategies to prevent such crises. Investing in community development, fostering inter-ethnic dialogue, and addressing the root causes of the violence are crucial steps toward lasting peace.
In conclusion, while the village volunteers of Manipur have shown extraordinary courage and resilience, their struggle highlights a dire need for political accountability and effective governance. Their anger is a reflection of a deeper, systemic failure that needs urgent redress. The politicians must rise above partisan politics and take immediate, tangible actions to restore peace and security in Manipur. Only then can the village volunteers be relieved of their undue burden and the region can hope for a return to normalcy.