The political quagmire and ethnic tensions in Manipur

The recent developments in Manipur’s legislative assembly and the escalating ethnic tensions paint a troubling picture of a state on the brink of disarray. The failure of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to address the prolonged absence of ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven BJP members, reflects a deep-seated political dysfunction that exacerbates the state’s ongoing crisis.
The absence of these MLAs, including two holding key cabinet positions in the BJP-led government, has not even been acknowledged with a simple show-cause notice. This inaction reveals a troubling disregard for the principles of accountability and democratic governance. The fact that the house has been left in the dark about the reasons for their absence undermines the very foundation of legislative integrity.
Compounding the issue, Cabinet Minister Letpao Hoakip recently embarrassed the assembly by publicly stating that he had not been consulted about a committee formed to investigate illegal immigration in Manipur. This statement not only highlights internal discord but also underscores the lack of coherence within the government. The refusal to participate in the committee further diminishes the credibility of the legislative process, leaving the investigation into crucial issues mired in uncertainty.
The silence of the state BJP on the defection of its seven MLAs, who have shifted allegiance without providing any substantial justification, only adds to the chaos. The party’s inability to address this issue speaks volumes about its failure to maintain discipline and unity within its ranks. The lack of accountability for such defections further erodes public trust in the political system.
As the state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, remains silent on these critical issues, the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have increasingly turned their ire towards him. They have blamed him for the ongoing violence that has plagued Manipur for the past 15 months, accusing him of exacerbating the crisis. The situation has reached a point where a viral video, shared by the Imphal Times, shows Kuki-Zo individuals thanking the Assam Rifles for their protection against alleged militias purportedly created by the Chief Minister. The video also reveals the unsettling reality that the Assam Rifles, under the Union Home Ministry, appear to have taken sides in this brutal conflict.
The acceptance of the Kuki-Zo community by the Assam Rifles is particularly troubling. The Assam Rifles are supposed to operate under the direction of the Union Home Minister, and their perceived partiality raises serious questions about the central government’s role in the crisis. The fact that the paramilitary forces seem to be aligning with one community in a conflict that has displaced over 60,000 people and destroyed numerous homes is deeply concerning. Reports of Meitei houses being bulldozed in Churachandpur without intervention from the Assam Rifles or other paramilitary forces only add to the suspicion and frustration of the affected communities.
This selective support and the apparent inaction of security forces suggest that the real motives behind their involvement are slowly coming to light. The fear that Manipur might be approaching its final stage of survival is growing. The ethnic divisions and the apparent breakdown in governance indicate that the state is grappling with a crisis that threatens its very unity and existence.
The indigenous people of Manipur have always aspired for a united and harmonious state. The current situation, marked by political failures and ethnic strife, is antithetical to these aspirations. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for a unified and effective response from both the state and central governments. The failure to address these issues with the seriousness they demand risks deepening the divide and further destabilizing the region.
Manipur’s future hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that all stakeholders—political leaders, security forces, and the central government—take immediate and decisive actions to restore order and address the grievances of all communities involved. Only through genuine dialogue, transparent governance, and unwavering commitment to justice can Manipur hope to navigate its way out of this turbulent period and move towards a more stable and inclusive future.