The Unending Crisis in Manipur: A Game of Power and Strategy

The ongoing crisis in Manipur continues to fester, showing no signs of resolution. At the heart of this turmoil is a complex interplay of political maneuvering and ethnic tensions. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, civil society organizations (CSOs), Kuki-Zo MLAs, and Suspension of Operation (SoO) militants all appear to gravitate towards Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose role in the crisis has drawn comparisons to the strategic approach of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata.
In the epic, Krishna supported the Pandavas in their battle while lending his formidable army to the Kauravas, a symbolic move that resonates with the current dynamics in Manipur. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh aligns himself closely with the Union government, while allegations abound that the Indian Army and Central Armed Forces have shown leniency towards the SoO militants, particularly those aligned with the Kuki-Zo community. This duality has created an atmosphere of mistrust and has further entrenched the divisions between communities in the state.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s approach to the crisis appears to be calculated, allowing all parties involved to turn to him for resolution. This strategy enables him to maintain control over the situation without fully committing to any side. By keeping N. Biren Singh in power, he avoids creating a leadership vacuum, while his reluctance to impose President’s Rule shields the Union government from direct accountability. Shah’s method of managing the crisis, while seemingly impartial, has left many questioning his ultimate intentions and the true nature of his involvement in the state’s affairs.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh finds himself in a precarious position. Despite his efforts to address the unrest, his dependence on Union support has highlighted his inability to independently resolve the crisis. His relationship with Shah may appear cordial, but the lack of concrete action to resolve the grievances of the state’s various factions has diminished his credibility. Singh’s strained relations with Kuki-Zo MLAs and CSOs underscore the fragmented political and social landscape of Manipur.
The SoO agreement, initially designed as a ceasefire mechanism, has become a source of contention. Accusations that the Indian military and central forces are unofficially supporting SoO militants have deepened the mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. For the Meitei, this perceived bias is seen as a betrayal, while the Kuki-Zo groups view it as necessary for their security and political leverage. This unresolved tension perpetuates the cycle of violence and prevents meaningful progress toward reconciliation.
The crisis has left the people of Manipur caught in a seemingly endless cycle of despair. The ongoing violence and political instability have fostered a sense of hopelessness among communities. While the Union government continues to play a long game, the lack of a clear and transparent roadmap for peace has exacerbated the situation. Calls for inclusive dialogue and effective conflict resolution remain unanswered, leaving civil society disillusioned and communities entrenched in their grievances.
Resolving the Manipur crisis requires a fundamental shift in approach. The Union government must prioritize genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, including CSOs, community leaders, and militant groups. This engagement must be conducted transparently to build trust and accountability. The state government must also take a more assertive role in bridging the ethnic divide, with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh moving beyond his dependence on Union support to foster trust among communities. Addressing grievances on both sides is essential to rebuilding the fractured relationships that underpin the state’s unrest.
The Suspension of Operation agreement must be revisited to ensure it does not perpetuate conflict or deepen divisions. A neutral stance by the Union government and Indian military is critical to reinforcing a commitment to justice and peace. The crisis in Manipur is not merely a political problem; it is a human one that demands empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to unity. Until these principles are embraced, the people of Manipur will remain trapped in a cycle of despair, longing for peace and stability that continues to elude them.