A War Crime Ignored by the Central Government

The situation in Manipur has escalated far beyond what could be dismissed as a mere communal riot. The recent drone attack by Kuki militants, which resulted in the death of a young mother and injuries to several others, marks a significant turning point in the conflict. This is not just a tragedy for the victims and their families; it is a clear indication that the violence in Manipur is not simply an ethnic conflict, but an organized, premeditated attack that bears the hallmarks of a war crime.
For over 15 months, the people of Manipur have been sounding the alarm about the increasing sophistication and brutality of the weapons used by Kuki militants. These militants, many of whom are believed to be from neighboring Myanmar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have consistently employed advanced military tactics and equipment. Yet, despite numerous warnings and appeals, the central government has remained largely silent, failing to take decisive action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently claimed that the violence in Manipur is slowly reducing. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The use of drones to drop bombs on civilian populations is not the act of a group involved in communal strife; it is a calculated military strategy aimed at terrorizing and destabilizing the region. The fact that such tactics are being used within the borders of India, against Indian citizens, should have prompted an immediate and forceful response from the central government. Instead, the inaction and apparent indifference raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting its own people.
One cannot help but wonder whether the central government is deliberately downplaying the severity of the crisis in Manipur. The use of sophisticated weapons by the Kuki militants suggests that they are not just a rogue group, but are receiving support and supplies from outside sources. This is a clear violation of Indian sovereignty, and yet the response from New Delhi has been tepid at best. Why has there been no comprehensive military crackdown on these militants? Why has the government not taken stronger measures to secure the border with Myanmar and prevent further incursions? The lack of action suggests a troubling disregard for the people of Manipur and their safety.
The history of Manipur is one of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. For centuries, the people of Manipur have fought to protect their land and their identity from external threats. The current crisis, however, threatens to undermine that legacy. The continued attacks by Kuki militants, coupled with the central government’s inaction, are eroding the trust and faith that the people of Manipur have in the Indian state. This is not just a local issue; it is a national crisis that demands immediate attention.
The government’s failure to address the situation in Manipur raises the uncomfortable question of whether Manipur is being treated as an integral part of India. If these attacks were happening in any other part of the country, it is hard to imagine that the response would be so muted. The fact that the violence has been allowed to continue for so long, with so little intervention from the central government, suggests that Manipur is being treated as an expendable frontier, rather than as an essential part of the nation.
This is not just an issue of security; it is an issue of justice. The people of Manipur have the right to live in peace and security, just like any other citizens of India. They should not have to live in fear of drone attacks and bombings, nor should they have to question whether their government is willing to protect them. The central government must take immediate and decisive action to address the crisis in Manipur. This includes launching a full-scale military operation to dismantle the Kuki militant networks, securing the border with Myanmar, and ensuring that the people of Manipur are given the protection they deserve.
In addition to these security measures, the government must also engage in a serious political dialogue with all stakeholders in the region. The underlying issues that have fueled the conflict must be addressed, and a lasting peace must be negotiated. This will require political will and a commitment to justice, but it is the only way to ensure that Manipur does not remain a war zone.
The crisis in Manipur is a test of the Indian state’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law. The people of Manipur deserve better than silence and inaction. They deserve to know that their lives and their future matter to the rest of the country. The time for excuses is over; the government must act now to bring peace and justice to Manipur.