Amit Shah’s Manipur Crisis Measures – A Constructive Step Forward or Symbolic Politics?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement detailing the central government’s approach to resolving the Manipur crisis offered both promise and concern. While the outlined measures—fencing the Indo-Myanmar border, opening CRPF camps, and holding talks with Kuki and Meitei communities—signal a willingness to address the conflict, deeper questions remain about the effectiveness and timing of these efforts.
The first key point in Shah’s statement was the completion of a 30 km stretch of border fencing, with plans to extend it across the 1,500 km Indo-Myanmar border. Border security has been identified as a major factor in the conflict, given allegations of arms smuggling and foreign interference. However, the pace of this fencing project feels worryingly slow given the urgency of the crisis. The potential benefits of a fully secured border are undeniable, as it could limit the inflow of illegal arms and militants. Yet, with only a fraction completed, the long-term effectiveness of this measure remains questionable. Is there a plan to expedite the process, or will Manipur continue to be exposed to these external threats indefinitely? The government must outline a clear timeline for completion, with transparent checkpoints, to reassure the people of Manipur that border security is truly a priority.
Equally concerning is the focus on opening shops in military canteens. While such steps might offer short-term relief, they fail to address the underlying drivers of the conflict. Economic distress and disruptions in essential supply chains are critical issues in the region. The reopening of key highways, such as those connecting Imphal to Guwahati and the Imphal-Jiribam route, should have taken precedence. These routes serve as lifelines for both the movement of goods and the deployment of security forces. Ensuring their safe passage could alleviate economic strains and enhance security, making a much more meaningful impact than military canteens.
The government’s deployment of 60,000 additional central forces post-May 2023 reflects a recognition of the severity of the situation. However, the failure to secure these critical routes and protect civilian areas raises concerns about operational priorities. Shah’s announcement could have been more comprehensive if it had addressed the real need for securing these highways, which would offer a more lasting sense of stability to the region.
Perhaps the most glaring gap in the Home Minister’s address is the absence of a resettlement plan for the displaced Meitei and Kuki families. Nearly sixteen months into the crisis, thousands of people remain uprooted from their homes. A genuine resolution to the crisis must include a clear, actionable strategy for resettlement. Without offering displaced families security and the opportunity to rebuild their lives, any peace measures will lack long-term sustainability. The government’s silence on this humanitarian aspect leaves a significant hole in its overall approach to the conflict.
Furthermore, Shah’s speech notably sidestepped the issue of armed terrorism and foreign involvement, despite reports of advanced weapons entering Manipur from outside India. With allegations of sophisticated arms being used by militants—arms not even part of the Indian security arsenal—the omission of a detailed plan to crack down on these groups is troubling. The urgency of this threat cannot be overstated, especially as militants continue to target Meitei villages with rockets and drone bombs. The attack on Serou village, where militants fired rockets toward civilian homes, occurred on the very day Shah outlined his “way forward.” This contradiction between the government’s narrative and the ground reality fuels doubt about the effectiveness of its measures.
The Home Minister’s claims of peace are especially perplexing given the continued violence. From September 1, drone bomb and rocket attacks have resumed in villages like Koutruck, with Kuki militants launching assaults on Meitei villages for seven consecutive days. The student protests in Imphal Valley reflect deep dissatisfaction with the government’s inability to protect its citizens. In a tragic recent case, a pregnant woman suffered severe complications after being exposed to tear gas during protests, leading to the loss of her unborn child. These incidents starkly contrast with Shah’s peace narrative. Is the Home Minister being misinformed, or is he deliberately misrepresenting the situation?
The people of Manipur deserve more than symbolic gestures. They need real, actionable solutions that address the root causes of the conflict, restore security, and ensure the safe return of displaced communities. Border fencing, while essential, must be accelerated and coupled with robust measures to tackle arms smuggling and militant activity. Reopening crucial highways and outlining a comprehensive resettlement plan should also be top priorities. Without these concrete actions, the government’s promises risk being viewed as political posturing rather than genuine progress.