Celebrating Independence Day amidst conflict and unfreedom

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, the festivities are marked by grand parades, the unfurling of the tricolor, and speeches that extol the virtues of freedom, democracy, and unity. Yet, as the nation revels in its hard-won sovereignty, there is a stark and disturbing contrast in the northeastern state of Manipur, where over 60,000 people are living as refugees in their own homeland. The ongoing conflict in Manipur casts a long shadow over the celebrations, raising profound questions about the nature of freedom and independence in a region where fundamental rights appear to have lost their meaning.
For months, Manipur has been engulfed in violence that seems intractable, with the Indian security forces—one of the largest in the world—struggling to contain the unrest. Despite their presence, the violence persists, and the promise of freedom and security remains elusive for many of the state’s citizens. The very ideals that Independence Day seeks to celebrate—freedom, equality, and justice—seem distant and hollow in a place where so many are displaced, disenfranchised, and desperate.
The irony of Manipur joining in the national Independence Day celebrations is palpable. While the rest of the country rejoices in its freedom, the people of Manipur are grappling with a reality where their fundamental rights, guaranteed by the Constitution of India, are under severe strain. The right to life, liberty, and security of person—the bedrock of any free society—has been compromised for thousands of Manipuris who find themselves caught in the crossfire of a conflict that has torn the social fabric of their state apart.
This situation compels us to ask a difficult and uncomfortable question: Why does Manipur, a state that is far from free in the current context, join in celebrating India’s Independence Day? Is it an act of patriotic defiance, a declaration that the people of Manipur, despite their suffering, still believe in the promise of India? Or is it a hollow gesture, a forced participation in a celebration that rings false for those who have seen their rights eroded and their lives upended?
The answer is not straightforward, and perhaps it is this very complexity that underscores the gravity of the situation. For many in Manipur, participating in Independence Day celebrations might be an assertion of their identity as Indian citizens—a statement that they are part of this nation, even if their current circumstances suggest otherwise. It may also be a plea for attention, a way to remind the rest of the country that their struggles are not over, that the promise of independence remains unfulfilled in this part of India.
Yet, for others, the celebrations might feel like an insult, a cruel reminder of the freedoms they are currently denied. The sight of the tricolor fluttering in the breeze, the sound of patriotic songs, and the speeches extolling India’s greatness might ring hollow to those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones to the ongoing violence. For them, the 78th Independence Day may not be a day of joy but a day of mourning for the freedoms they once had and have now lost.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur is not just a local issue; it is a national crisis that challenges the very ideals upon which India was founded. The failure to restore peace and security in Manipur raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the state and central governments in upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens. It also calls into question the role of the Indian security forces, who, despite their strength and numbers, have been unable to bring an end to the violence and ensure freedom for all.
As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it must confront the reality that not all its citizens are truly free. The situation in Manipur serves as a stark reminder that independence is not just a historical event to be commemorated but an ongoing struggle to be realized for every Indian. Until peace is restored and the fundamental rights of all Manipuris are upheld, the celebrations will remain incomplete, and the promise of freedom will remain unfulfilled for the people of this troubled state.