Has India failed to protect rights of Manipuri People?

Human rights are the bedrock of any civilized society. Enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and guaranteed by the Constitution of India, these rights are meant to protect the dignity, freedom, and well-being of every individual. Yet, in the northeastern state of Manipur, the very essence of these rights is under siege, leading to a harrowing question: has Manipur become a failed state?
The right to life, the most fundamental of all human rights, is becoming a grim joke in Manipur. For months, the state has been embroiled in a deep crisis that has seen widespread violence, loss of life, and a breakdown of law and order. The state machinery, designed to protect its citizens, appears to be crumbling under the weight of political apathy, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a severe lack of accountability. The silence of the central government, which should have acted swiftly and decisively to restore peace, has only exacerbated the situation. The people of Manipur are left to wonder if their lives are considered expendable in the grand scheme of national politics.
The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, asserts that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. It further affirms the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, and housing, and the right to participate in government. The Indian Constitution echoes these sentiments, enshrining the right to equality, freedom of speech, and protection against exploitation, among others. Yet, in Manipur, these rights have been reduced to mere words on paper. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread displacement, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes, unsure if they will ever return. Reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and the suppression of dissenting voices paint a bleak picture of a state where human rights are not just neglected but actively violated.
In contrast, even in war-torn regions like Ukraine, Russia, or Israel, there is a concerted effort to uphold basic human rights, despite the challenges posed by conflict. Governments in these regions, while not perfect, have established mechanisms to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and ensure that the rule of law prevails. The international community holds these nations accountable, and there is constant pressure to adhere to international human rights standards.
In Manipur, however, the situation is dire. The lack of adequate response from the Indian government raises uncomfortable questions about the value placed on the lives of its northeastern citizens. Is it because Manipur is geographically and culturally distant from the heart of the nation? Or is it because the state lacks the economic and strategic significance that commands immediate attention? Whatever the reason, the result is the same—Manipur is bleeding, and its people are suffering.
Yet, amid this darkness, the people of Manipur still cling to hope. They continue to fight for their right to live with dignity, to have their voices heard, and to reclaim their homeland from the clutches of violence and despair. This resilience is a testament to their spirit and their unwavering belief in the principles of justice and human rights.
But hope alone cannot restore peace or ensure the protection of human rights. It is the duty of the Indian government to step up and fulfill its constitutional obligations. The central authorities must acknowledge the gravity of the situation in Manipur and take immediate steps to restore normalcy. This includes holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable, providing adequate compensation and rehabilitation to victims, and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
If the Indian government continues to neglect Manipur, it risks not only the collapse of one of its states but also a severe dent in its global image as a nation that upholds human rights and democratic values. The world is watching, and so are the citizens of Manipur, who deserve nothing less than the full protection of their rights as guaranteed by both the UDHR and the Constitution of India.
In the end, the question is not whether Manipur is a failed state, but whether India is failing Manipur. The answer, sadly, seems to be yes—unless swift and decisive action is taken to reverse this course. The time to act is now, before the situation deteriorates further and the dream of a dignified life for the people of Manipur becomes an unattainable illusion.