Constitution Day – A Moment for Reflection, Not Just Celebration

On November 26, 1949, India adopted its Constitution, promising to build a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. As the nation marks Constitution Day, this is an opportunity not just to celebrate but to critically examine its implementation—particularly in regions like Manipur, where the state’s failure to uphold these constitutional promises is stark and alarming.
Manipur, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, was integrated into India in 1949 under contentious circumstances. Over the decades, the state has grappled with persistent socio-political challenges, exposing glaring lapses in the protection of life, property, and constitutional guarantees. The recent ethnic conflict, which has resulted in over 255 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people since May 2023, underscores the inability of the state and central governments to uphold the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The Constitution guarantees the right to life and property under Article 21 and safeguards against exploitation and violence. Yet, in Manipur, citizens—particularly from marginalized communities—live in fear, their safety compromised by unchecked ethnic tensions and armed violence. The rise of armed Kuki militants, allegedly involved in narcotics trade and insurgency, has exacerbated the conflict. The state has failed to disarm these groups or hold them accountable, allowing violence to continue unabated.
Moreover, the government’s inability to protect its citizens has led to widespread destruction of property, forced displacement, and irreparable emotional and psychological trauma. Entire communities have been uprooted, their homes destroyed, and their futures rendered uncertain. In such an environment, the constitutional promise of justice remains a distant dream.
Compounding the issue is the government’s failure to address provocative actions undermining the integrity of the nation. The Chief Minister of Mizoram’s recent remarks in a foreign land advocating for the disintegration of Manipur represent a grave breach of constitutional integrity. By allowing such divisive rhetoric to go unchallenged, the central government has failed in its duty to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of the nation, as mandated by the Constitution.
The liberty promised by the Constitution is further curtailed by the imposition of laws like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which, while intended for security, has often restricted fundamental freedoms and fueled alienation. Meanwhile, the ideal of equality remains elusive in Manipur, where ethnic and regional disparities persist, with communities divided along lines of access to resources, political representation, and economic opportunities.
Fraternity—the unifying thread envisioned by the framers of the Constitution—has been deeply eroded in Manipur. Ethnic divisions, communal violence, and mutual distrust have torn apart the social fabric, leaving little room for reconciliation. Constitutional safeguards such as the Sixth Schedule, designed to protect tribal rights, have been implemented inconsistently, exacerbating the alienation of already marginalized groups.
This Constitution Day, it is crucial to ask whether the Indian state has fulfilled its duty to protect and uphold the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. In Manipur, the answer is a resounding no. The inability to safeguard life and property, the unchecked rise of armed groups, and the tolerance of rhetoric that threatens national unity are glaring failures that demand immediate and decisive action.
The Constitution is more than a legal framework; it is a promise to every citizen. Yet, in Manipur, that promise feels broken. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms, stronger governance, and an unwavering commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Without addressing these failings, the celebration of Constitution Day risks becoming a hollow gesture, devoid of meaning for those whose lives remain marked by fear and despair.
As India reflects on the ideals of its Constitution, it must confront the reality of its shortcomings. Manipur’s struggles are a microcosm of the larger challenges that threaten the nation’s unity and integrity. If the vision of the Constitution is to be truly realized, the government must act decisively to protect life and property, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that every citizen, regardless of region or community, can live with dignity and security.