Rising Violence and Political Silence – A crisis that cannot be ignored

The rising tensions and violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district, marked by the recent clash between Kuki-Zo militants and CRPF forces, expose troubling dynamics that both demand immediate governmental attention and pose a severe risk to national unity. The disturbing incident, which left 10 Kuki militants dead and two elderly Meitei civilians slain, has sparked controversy, revealing deep-seated regional grievances and highlighting the apparent blind spots in political responses.
In a post on Facebook, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip extended his condolences to the “11 Kuki tachapa Souls,” mourning the Kuki militants killed in the encounter with CRPF forces. His gesture sparked immediate backlash and raised difficult questions: Can the lives of militants—armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles and automatic firearms—who were reportedly targeting civilians, be mourned without addressing the civilians caught in the crossfire? The MLA’s silence on the kidnapping of six Meitei women and children, allegedly abducted by militants fleeing the clash, has further inflamed public sentiment. It is indeed troubling when a public representative seems to mourn militant lives while omitting any mention of the innocent civilians harmed or held captive.
The timing of the recent violence also draws scrutiny, coming soon after Mizoram Chief Minister Laldohoma’s comments in the United States regarding a vision for a “Christian nation” of the Kuki-Zo people under unified leadership. The remark, which proposed consolidating Kuki-Zo populations across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, ignited nationwide controversy and alarm. Almost immediately following these statements, a surge in militant activity targeted Meitei civilians, spreading from Bishnupur to Imphal East and West districts. Among these incidents, a 34-year-old Meitei woman was killed, a Tangkhul farmer injured, and even an Indian Army personnel sustained bullet wounds as the militants attacked Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi in Imphal East. These violent escalations highlight the grim reality that vulnerable communities remain under constant threat, as militants continue to exploit a lack of adequate security intervention.
The silence from the central government on these militant activities and the abduction of civilians is concerning. While there is concrete evidence linking the militants to arms and violent separatist actions, federal authorities have yet to issue any strong statements condemning the terror inflicted upon Manipur’s civilian population. The selective attention given to such attacks risks fostering an atmosphere of impunity that only emboldens militant forces to escalate their actions. This silence raises questions about the government’s commitment to countering insurgency and protecting the territorial integrity of India, especially when attacks by armed groups signal intentions to fracture the nation.
India has long been characterized by its diverse and resilient social fabric, with communities coexisting despite cultural and religious differences. Yet, to allow the situation in Manipur to deteriorate without decisive action is to invite further instability. The Government of India must recognize that disintegrating Manipur is synonymous with jeopardizing the unity of the nation itself. A fractured Manipur, left to the devices of militant forces with cross-border allegiances and separatist agendas, would set a dangerous precedent for other regions facing ethnic or sectarian tensions.
If the central government continues to overlook the terror inflicted by these armed factions, it risks alienating and failing communities that are critical to India’s pluralistic identity. The immediate deployment of more resources to secure vulnerable communities, a public condemnation of separatist actions, and a comprehensive strategy to address terrorists and arms proliferation are essential. The situation demands urgent military crackdown against the terrorist who are killing civilians and trying to distort the integrity of the nation.
In times of crisis, silence can often speak louder than words. The government’s current inaction on the terrorist risks conveying a dangerous message—that the safety and sovereignty of its northeastern regions are negotiable. The people of Manipur deserve better than to be left at the mercy of armed militants with separatist aims, and India deserves a stronger commitment to its own unity.