Manipur’s Unresolved Crisis: The Silence of the BJP and Its Political Maneuvers

The ongoing crisis in Manipur has raised pressing questions regarding the response of both the state government and the central government, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which holds power in the state as well as at the national level. The state has been wracked by violence since May 2023, following ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to widespread bloodshed, displacement, and loss of life. Despite the severity of the situation, there has been considerable criticism regarding the government’s failure to effectively address the crisis or take decisive action. With the BJP in power, questions are being raised about the party’s reluctance to intervene in the violence and whether there are underlying political calculations at play.
Many critics believe the BJP’s inaction is tied to political maneuvering rather than genuine efforts to restore peace. While the party is keen on maintaining its political dominance in the region, the handling of the crisis has been accused of being overly cautious, especially when it comes to holding its own members accountable. For example, Manipur BJP MLA Paolianlal Haokip, who has been criticized for making incendiary remarks supporting violence against women and children, has not faced any repercussions from the party. This apparent lack of accountability has fueled suspicions about the party’s commitment to justice and its willingness to address inflammatory statements within its ranks.
In addition, the silence of the central government on provocative remarks made by regional leaders, such as Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, has raised concerns about the government’s stance on national unity. Zoramthanga’s comments, made on foreign soil questioning India’s territorial integrity, were not met with any formal response from the central leadership, which some see as a sign of reluctance to challenge regional political dynamics that may affect the BJP’s alliances. This has led to growing frustration among citizens who feel that the government is prioritizing political alliances and expediency over the safety and welfare of the people of Manipur.
Moreover, the BJP’s response to the crisis has been perceived as insufficient in addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring justice for the victims. The state’s imposition of curfews and attempts to restore order have not addressed the deeper issues, such as long-standing ethnic tensions, economic hardship, and social inequality. Without meaningful dialogue between the warring communities and a commitment to addressing their grievances, the violence is unlikely to subside. The government’s failure to engage in such dialogue is seen as a missed opportunity to promote healing and reconciliation in the region.
There is also growing concern that some individuals or factions may be benefiting from the prolonged instability in Manipur. The crisis has created a power vacuum and diverted attention from other critical governance issues, giving political actors the chance to consolidate their power in a state of turmoil. These suspicions are compounded by the lack of concrete action from the government to address the immediate needs of the affected communities, which has led to allegations that some individuals are deliberately stoking unrest for political gain.
In the absence of strong leadership and a clear plan to bring peace to the region, many are questioning whether the BJP’s hesitance to intervene is a deliberate strategy to protect its own political interests rather than a failure to recognize the urgency of the situation. As the violence continues to devastate the lives of the people in Manipur, it is becoming increasingly clear that the government must either take decisive action to quell the crisis or risk further alienating the public and exacerbating the instability in the region.
The BJP’s response to the Manipur crisis has become a defining issue not only for the party’s leadership in the state but also for its reputation at the national level. The central government and the BJP must act swiftly to address the violence, ensure accountability within its ranks, and foster an environment conducive to peace. Until the government addresses the underlying issues and engages in meaningful dialogue with the affected communities, the crisis in Manipur is likely to continue, and with it, the growing disillusionment with the ruling party’s ability to govern effectively.