Manipur’s Prolonged Crisis: A Tale of Negligence and Political Apathy

Manipur has been mired in a deepening crisis for the past 15 months, with the situation showing no signs of improvement. Over 60,000 people have been displaced, their lives upended by ethnic conflict and political instability. As the state assembly’s 6th session adjourned sine die today, hopes for any substantial resolution have dimmed further, revealing the negligence and political apathy that have exacerbated this humanitarian disaster.
The recently concluded session of the Manipur state assembly was expected to provide a platform for addressing the state’s pressing issues. However, instead of fostering meaningful dialogue, it quickly descended into political theatrics. The walkout by five Congress MLAs highlighted the frustration and dissatisfaction with the government’s reluctance to engage in serious discussions about the ongoing crisis. This walkout was not merely a political maneuver but a stark reflection of the despair felt by the thousands who are witnessing their representatives fail to take decisive action.
At the heart of the crisis are the more than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods. These individuals, trapped in makeshift camps, face a daily struggle for survival with insufficient access to basic necessities like food, clean water, healthcare, and education. Despite their dire situation, their plight has been largely ignored by the state and central governments. The prolonged neglect of these displaced communities is not just a failure of governance but a moral failing on the part of those in power.
One of the most troubling aspects of this crisis is the apparent indifference of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His continued silence and lack of action in response to the ongoing suffering in Manipur are both baffling and disheartening. In moments of national distress, leadership demands empathy, decisiveness, and a commitment to justice. The Prime Minister’s inaction sends a disturbing message about the central government’s priorities and its commitment—or lack thereof—to the northeastern states. This neglect has only deepened the crisis, leaving the people of Manipur feeling abandoned by the very leaders who are supposed to protect and serve them.
The walkout by the Congress MLAs, while a clear expression of their frustration, also raises questions about the effectiveness of political opposition in Manipur. While their dissatisfaction is understandable, leaving the assembly does little to advance the cause of those suffering on the ground. Constructive engagement, persistent questioning, and a relentless effort to hold the ruling party accountable are essential in a functioning democracy. Abandoning the assembly floor, in contrast, risks further alienating the people who are already disillusioned with the political process.
The ruling party’s dismissive attitude towards addressing the crisis during the assembly session is indicative of a broader trend of sidelining democratic institutions. The assembly should be the primary venue for debate, policy-making, and crisis management, yet its premature adjournment signifies a disturbing abdication of responsibility. This failure to utilize the assembly as a forum for resolving such a critical issue only deepens the sense of despair and disillusionment among the people of Manipur.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur is not just a regional issue; it is a national concern that demands immediate and concerted action. The central and state governments must work together to develop and implement effective strategies for the rehabilitation of IDPs, the restoration of peace, and the rebuilding of trust among the state’s diverse communities. The media, civil society, and the judiciary also have crucial roles to play in ensuring that the plight of the displaced is not forgotten, that government actions are transparent, and that the rights of all affected individuals are protected.
In sum, the 15-month-long crisis in Manipur is a stark reminder of the consequences of political apathy, bureaucratic inertia, and a lack of empathy. The state and central governments must rise above political divisions and prioritize the lives and well-being of the people they serve. The people of Manipur deserve better than the neglect and inaction they have been subjected to; their voices must be heard, and their suffering must be addressed. It is long past time for decisive action to resolve this crisis and restore hope to a beleaguered population.