Manipur’s Unresolved Crisis: A Demand for Leadership and Accountability

Manipur stands on the brink of devastation, grappling with an ethnic conflict that has claimed more than 220 lives and displaced thousands since May 2020. The clash between the Meiteis of Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo communities of the surrounding hills has not only eroded the social fabric of the state but has also exposed glaring inadequacies in political leadership and crisis management.
The violence has been relentless, with allegations pointing to the involvement of Meitei civil society groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, as well as Kuki militants operating under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government. Both sides have accused each other of attacking villages, perpetuating a cycle of fear and retaliation.
Recent events have further deepened the crisis. From November 9 to 11, 2024, Kuki militants carried out attacks on civilians for three consecutive days. Fierce gunfights with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) ensued, culminating in the death of 10 militants. Tragically, during the same period, three women and three children were kidnapped, only to be brutally murdered later. The incident has ignited public outrage, with people gathering near the official residences of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Members of Parliament, demanding accountability and justice.
However, the state’s response has been woefully inadequate. CM Singh’s announcement to classify the militant groups involved as “illegal organizations” falls short of addressing the public’s demand for concrete action. The gesture, though symbolic, does little to quell the grief and anger of a population that has endured 18 months of turmoil.
The lack of substantial intervention raises serious questions about the role of the state and central governments in addressing Manipur’s crisis. What has the leadership been doing to resolve this prolonged conflict? Why has there been no sustained effort to broker peace between the warring communities?
Even more glaring is the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Prime Minister has refrained from addressing the issue publicly. His active campaigning in states like Jharkhand and Bihar while Manipur burns is a stark contrast that has not gone unnoticed. This absence has fueled speculation on social media, with rumors suggesting that the central government may have deliberately allowed the crisis to fester for political gain. While such claims may seem far-fetched, the government’s inaction does little to dispel these suspicions.
At the heart of the problem is a lack of decisive leadership. Manipur needs more than symbolic gestures or superficial statements. It needs leaders who are willing to engage with the complexities of the conflict, initiate dialogue between communities, and take bold steps to restore peace. The state government must implement a clear strategy that prioritizes reconciliation, justice for victims, and long-term development to address the root causes of the conflict.
Equally important is the role of the central government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which governs both the state and the center, has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to demonstrate leadership. By neglecting Manipur, the BJP risks alienating the people of the state and undermining its credibility as a party capable of governing India’s diverse regions.
The current approach of inaction and delay is not only ineffective but also dangerous. Prolonged violence deepens divisions, hardens attitudes, and makes reconciliation more difficult. Every life lost and every family displaced is a stark reminder of the cost of governmental apathy.
The people of Manipur are tired of empty promises and vague reassurances. They need tangible action—peace talks facilitated by neutral mediators, stricter law enforcement to prevent further violence, and economic programs to rebuild affected communities. The government must also address long-standing issues, such as illegal immigration and the mistrust between communities, to lay the foundation for lasting peace.
If the current leadership cannot rise to the occasion, it is time for change. The people of Manipur deserve a government that prioritizes their safety, unity, and prosperity. The BJP must either act decisively to resolve the crisis or make way for leaders who can.
Manipur’s crisis is not just a local issue; it is a national tragedy. It challenges the idea of India as a unified and inclusive nation. Failing to address it risks setting a dangerous precedent, where regional conflicts are left to fester and spiral out of control.
The BJP government at both state and central levels must take immediate steps to resolve the crisis. Time is running out, and the consequences of continued inaction will be devastating—not just for Manipur but for the nation as a whole.