India’s Path to Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Forgotten State of Manipur

As India marches toward its ambitious goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and aims to position itself as the world’s third-largest economy by 2028, questions must be asked about the inclusivity and integrity of this progress. With robust defence budgets—Rs. 6.21 lakh crore allocated in the Union Budget 2024–25—and growing military strength, India is undoubtedly projecting itself as a formidable power. Yet, ironically, it struggles to uphold the very democratic principles enshrined in its Constitution—particularly in the case of Manipur.
For over two years now, the people of Manipur have endured one of the worst internal conflicts in the state’s recent history. Fundamental rights, the cornerstone of Indian democracy, remain suspended for large sections of the population. Internet blackouts, targeted killings, displacement of thousands, and unchecked violence have become the tragic norm. Yet, the state and central governments continue to maintain a disconcerting silence. The Prime Minister of India, who is known for his prompt outreach on global issues, has yet to visit the conflict-hit state or offer any meaningful assurance to the people suffering in his own country.
India today boasts of technological advancement, economic reforms, and strategic defence capabilities. However, what does it say about a nation that cannot secure even a 25-kilometre stretch of National Highway within its own territory? What does it reveal about the strength of its governance when one part of the country is allowed to operate under near-anarchy while the rest celebrates economic milestones and global summits?
The state of affairs in Manipur is not merely a regional issue; it is a national failure. Sophisticated weaponry—clearly restricted for civilian use—has found its way into the hands of certain militant groups under Suspension of Operation, while ordinary citizens live in fear, unable to trust the very agencies meant to protect them. This deliberate imbalance of power raises serious concerns: Who arms these groups? Who benefits from the sustained instability? And most critically, why has the central leadership refused to acknowledge the crisis at its core?
Manipur, a state with a rich history of peace movements and cultural pride, now finds itself reduced to headlines about killings, displacement, and hopelessness. The doctrine of non-violence—once India’s moral compass on the global stage—appears selectively applied. The Union Government’s silence and inaction are not just political oversights; they are indicative of a deeper malaise—a disregard for the constitutional guarantees of equality, justice, and fraternity.
Is this neglect by design? The central leadership under the NDA regime, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has to answer why a prolonged crisis in a border state has received so little national attention. The growing perception that Manipur is being allowed to disintegrate, or worse, balkanize, is not without basis. When violence is allowed to fester, and certain communities are openly armed while others are rendered vulnerable, the very idea of India as a union of states is called into question.
India cannot truly aspire to be a developed nation while ignoring the cries of its own citizens. Development is not just GDP growth or global rankings; it is about dignity, rights, and justice for all. As long as Manipur continues to bleed without remedy or recognition, the vision of Viksit Bharat will remain deeply flawed.
The time has come for the Indian leadership to confront the hard truths and take meaningful steps to restore democracy in Manipur. Anything less is a betrayal of the Constitution, the nation, and its people.