Cowards in Khaki Failed the IDPs Again

The Manipur Police today resorted to tear gas and bullets against Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during a protest rally. This shameful act not only highlights the police’s inability to fulfill their fundamental duty of protecting citizens but also underscores the ongoing crisis of confidence in law enforcement in Manipur.
The protest was organized by IDPs, who have been victims of the ongoing violent conflict, demanding that they be allowed to return to their old homes. These individuals, displaced within their own homeland, have already suffered immensely due to the initial failure of the police to maintain peace and security. Rather than addressing the root causes of their plight and providing the protection they deserve, the police chose to exacerbate their suffering through intimidation and violence.
The role of the state is unequivocal: to protect the lives and property of its citizens. The Manipur Police, however, have consistently fallen short of this duty. The very existence of IDPs in Manipur is a testament to this failure. When the conflict with the Kukis began, the police were expected to act decisively to protect all citizens and prevent escalation. Instead, their initial cowardice and ineffectiveness allowed the violence to spiral out of control, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. The Chief Minister, himself, has admitted that intelligence lapses of the Home Department, and the lack of preparedness led to the violence on May 3 last year resulting in mass displacements. These IDPs have been uprooted from their homes, forced to live in precarious conditions, and subjected to ongoing insecurity. Instead of offering solace and support, the police have now turned their weapons on these vulnerable groups.
Today’s events were particularly egregious as the police not only targeted the IDPs but also assaulted a member of the press and terrorized school children. Such actions are indefensible and reflect a complete disregard for human rights and democratic principles. The timing of these events coincides with the ongoing state assembly session. While lawmakers debate on these matters, the very agencies meant to uphold law and order are engaged in acts of repression against the most vulnerable segments of the population. This disconnect between the state’s legislative functions and its enforcement practices raises serious questions about governance and accountability in Manipur.
Now, rather than addressing their past mistakes, the police are compounding their failures with further acts of brutality. It is imperative that the state government takes immediate action to address this situation. There must be a thorough investigation into the police’s conduct, and those responsible for these attacks should be held accountable. The people of Manipur deserve better. They deserve a police force that is courageous, compassionate, and committed to upholding justice and human rights. The events of today are the consequences when those in power fail to meet these standards.
Bravo to the cowards in khaki indeed!