Is Manipur Home Department in Disarray?

Manipur’s government is facing serious questions about its decision-making and coordination, especially within the Home Department. Over the past few days, a series of contradictory government orders have highlighted a lack of clarity and leadership, causing confusion and frustration among citizens.
One recent incident involved an announcement that curfew restrictions would be relaxed until 4 PM, a move that gave people a brief sense of relief. However, within hours, another order was issued shortening the relaxation to just 12 PM, leaving the public confused and irritated.
A similar misstep occurred regarding the reopening of educational institutions. On Friday, the government declared that schools, colleges, and universities would reopen on Saturday. Yet, by late evening, the order was abruptly withdrawn. The withdrawal was communicated via radio news. However, the earlier order had already been published in the press, creating confusion.
Such flip-flops are not merely administrative errors; they indicate deeper issues of poor planning and communication within the government, particularly in the Home Department, which is responsible for making such critical decisions.
Adding to the image of incompetence is the recent incident in Makhan village, where armed Kuki poppy farmers reportedly drove away police personnel. The village authority has now issued a four-day ultimatum to the government, demanding action to destroy poppy plantations on Liangmai Naga land and arrest the armed groups involved. This incident highlights the Home Department’s failure to address illegal activities and maintain law and order in sensitive areas.
These developments have damaged the credibility of the Home Department, which seems unable to take firm and consistent action. In a state grappling with complex ethnic and territorial tensions, such indecisiveness only deepens the crisis. Decisions regarding curfews and reopening schools are not trivial; they directly affect the lives of thousands. Issuing and then rescinding orders shows a lack of coordination between departments, particularly the Home Department, which is supposed to provide a sense of security and stability.
The incident in Makhan village raises even more serious concerns. The inability of the police to act against armed groups not only exposes the state’s weak enforcement mechanisms but also emboldens illegal activities. If the government cannot respond effectively to threats posed by armed groups, it risks further eroding its authority in the region.
These issues are a direct reflection of poor leadership and a lack of strategy in the Home Department. At a time when Manipur needs strong governance, clear communication, and decisive action, the administration appears to be faltering. Every contradictory order or delayed response further undermines the public’s trust in the government’s ability to handle the state’s challenges.
Recently, prominent organizations such as Taragi Cheisu have pointed out that there may have been dereliction of duty on the part of the Home Department in dealing with the Jiribam killings. Retired Judge A. Noutuneshwari stated that until the bodies of the victims of the Jiribam killings were discovered, high-ranking police officials kept assuring the public that they were trying to locate and save the victims. It later turned out that these assurances were mere words, with little effort behind them. To date, no significant action has been taken by the state government, which has washed its hands of the issue by stating that the matter has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The state government must urgently address these shortcomings. The Home Department needs to improve coordination, ensure clarity in its directives, and act decisively in addressing law and order issues. Leaders must also recognize that inconsistent decisions create instability and erode confidence in the government’s capability to manage critical situations.