Solution to Manipur crisis: Are we waiting for Godot?

The crisis in Manipur, now extending over 19 months, highlights a troubling blend of administrative paralysis, political ambiguity, and humanitarian suffering. While both the state and union governments have presented conflicting narratives about the causes and trajectory of the unrest, the ground reality tells a different story—one of continued displacement, violence, and insecurity. This disconnect between official statements and the lived experiences of the people raises serious questions about governance, accountability, and the path forward.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has provided varying explanations for the situation. In the Lok Sabha last year, he linked the unrest to illegal migration and the drug trade. However, more recently, he redefined the crisis as an ethnic clash unrelated to terrorism. His shifting stance is further complicated by his earlier claims that the Manipur High Court’s ruling on the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status was the root cause of the conflict, a position contradicted by a former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, who dismissed this connection. The inconsistency in these statements deepens the uncertainty surrounding the government’s understanding and handling of the crisis. Shah’s suggestion that the situation could persist for years, drawing parallels to the Naga-Kuki clashes, reveals the government’s failure to offer a clear, actionable roadmap for resolution.
Amid this turmoil, Manipur’s Chief Minister and the Speaker of the State Assembly have expressed unwavering faith in the leadership of Amit Shah and Prime Minister Modi. However, their optimism appears increasingly out of touch with the escalating violence and mounting grievances on the ground. Over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain in relief camps, deprived of dignity and stability. Students, instead of focusing on their education, are spending their nights guarding vulnerable villages in peripheral areas, with tragic incidents, such as the recent killing of a youth by security forces, underscoring the perilous situation they face.
Despite the heavy deployment of security forces, safety remains elusive for Manipur’s citizens. Attacks on Meitei civilians continue, with bomb blasts and ambushes occurring in regions like Jiribam and other border areas. Instead of instilling confidence, the presence of security forces often exacerbates tensions, as seen in incidents where civilians have been harmed. The plight of the displaced grows more desperate with each passing day. Relief camps, originally intended as temporary shelters, have become semi-permanent homes for tens of thousands of people. Basic needs such as education, healthcare, and psychological support remain grossly unmet. This prolonged displacement is not just a humanitarian crisis but a time bomb for future unrest and generational trauma.
Misinformation has further fueled the crisis, with politically motivated narratives distorting the discourse and making it harder to address the underlying issues. Ethnic, political, and regional interests have created a climate of confusion, paralyzing decision-making and delaying the implementation of meaningful solutions. To move forward, both the central and state governments must take decisive action. An honest acknowledgment of the structural and ethnic tensions at the root of the crisis is crucial. Superficial explanations, whether related to migration, terrorism, or judicial rulings, will not suffice. Open dialogue is essential to build trust and involve all stakeholders—displaced communities, local leaders, and civil society—in finding a sustainable solution.
The current situation in Manipur evokes parallels with Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, where characters wait endlessly for a resolution that never comes. Similarly, the people of Manipur are left waiting—for justice, for peace, and for a clear path out of the chaos. The state’s residents, caught between violence and neglect, cannot afford to be abandoned in this limbo. The Centre’s failure to act with urgency and clarity not only erodes trust in democratic institutions but also risks deepening the divide in an already fractured society. Without a concrete plan, the suffering and displacement may become normalized, pushing Manipur further into a state of perpetual instability.
The way forward lies in addressing the root causes of the conflict through inclusive, transparent governance. Both the Centre and the state government must prioritize restoring peace by providing immediate relief to displaced communities, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods. Security forces must be held accountable and operate with sensitivity to prevent further harm. Facilitating open, inclusive dialogue is necessary to resolve ethnic and political grievances. Moreover, countering misinformation through accurate reporting and transparent communication will help rebuild trust. The people of Manipur deserve more than empty promises—they need decisive, compassionate governance that brings peace and stability. The time for waiting is over; the time for action is now.