Drones and Rockets: The Failing Leadership Amid Escalating Violence in Manipur

Manipur is grappling with an unprecedented wave of violence, as Kuki militants unleash drone attacks in northern Imphal and rockets rain down on the southern parts of the capital. These escalations have driven the state deeper into turmoil, leaving civilians trapped in fear and uncertainty. The situation raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the state government, which seems incapable of curbing the rising tide of violence. The people of Manipur are increasingly questioning the resolve of their leaders to restore peace and stability.
The failure of the state machinery is evident from the continued and unrelenting attacks. Civil society organizations, frustrated by the government’s inaction, have begun to call for the resignation of top officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Security Advisor. However, amidst these demands for accountability, one glaring omission stands out—the silence surrounding the role of the Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Home Minister. Despite being ultimately responsible for maintaining law and order, the Chief Minister has largely escaped public criticism. This omission raises significant concerns about the lack of accountability at the highest level of leadership.
Manipur’s deteriorating security situation has reached a point where the government appears to have no comprehensive plan to address the violence. Terrorist attacks continue, civilian casualties mount, and the administration’s response remains ineffective. The state has become trapped in a vicious cycle of bloodshed and insecurity, with no sign of relief. Many residents feel abandoned by the very government that is supposed to protect them, left to fend for themselves in an increasingly dangerous environment.
The core problem lies in the breakdown of leadership and the failure to maintain a cohesive chain of command. While the DGP and Security Advisor have been publicly criticized, the Chief Minister’s role in the ongoing chaos cannot be overlooked. As head of the Home Department, the Chief Minister is directly responsible for the state’s internal security. Yet, there has been little public discourse holding him accountable for the failures of the police and security forces. This silence is troubling, as it signals a lack of willingness to confront the political leadership responsible for the crisis.
One reason for this silence could be the political dynamics at play. While civil society organizations and the public have been quick to demand the resignations of the DGP and Security Advisor, the Chief Minister has largely been shielded from criticism. Political considerations and fears of repercussions may be influencing this selective blame game, as the political class hesitates to openly challenge the state’s leadership. However, this reluctance does a grave disservice to the people of Manipur, who continue to suffer from the government’s ineptitude.
The consequences of this leadership vacuum are dire. Civilians, caught in the crossfire, are left without adequate protection from the government. The rise of Kuki militants, now employing advanced tactics such as drone strikes, highlights the state’s loss of control over its own security apparatus. The militants’ growing confidence, reflected in their increasingly bold attacks, underscores the extent to which the government has failed to contain the violence. The lack of a coordinated and forceful response from the state has emboldened these groups, deepening the sense of insecurity among the population.
In the absence of effective leadership, many people in Manipur are turning to civil society organizations and local communities for protection. This shift in reliance reflects the growing disillusionment with the government’s ability to safeguard its citizens. The calls for the resignation of top security officials, while justified, miss the larger issue: unless the Chief Minister is held accountable for his failures, meaningful change will remain out of reach.
The people of Manipur and civil society organizations must refocus their efforts on addressing the root cause of the problem. While the DGP and Security Advisor play crucial roles in managing the state’s security, the Chief Minister, as the head of the Home Department, bears the ultimate responsibility. His inaction and inability to provide a strategic response to the violence have directly contributed to the current crisis. The erosion of trust between the government and the people is a clear indication of leadership failure at the highest levels.
If Manipur is to emerge from this dark period, there must be accountability at the top. The Chief Minister cannot continue to deflect blame onto subordinates while avoiding scrutiny for his own shortcomings. He must take responsibility for his administration’s failures, and if he cannot demonstrate the will to address the violence plaguing the state, he should step aside in favor of someone who can.