Tumultuous Tides: Navigating Governance in Manipur

For almost a year, Manipur has languished under governance that fails to live up to its fundamental ideals. Its very essence, characteristics, and functionality have been decried by numerous voices. The leader of the administration has become a target of ridicule in the virtual realms of social media, where abusive language is hurled without restraint. It appears the populace has firmly come to the conviction of their shamelessness.
In the study of governance, Hans Kooiman’s analogy provides a way amidst tumultuous waters. He likened governance to the delicate art of navigating a ship, where one must constantly perceive and adapt to the movements of subsystems. Yet, in Manipur, what unfolds is not the orchestrated harmony of a Cabinet Government, as envisioned by Lord Ivor Jennings—a symphony of diverse authorities—but rather a somber solo act, manipulated by powerful figures from beyond the state’s borders.
Initially, there flickered a hope that Manipur would navigate its troubles with governance finely attuned to the nuances of the currents. Alas, this hope swiftly faded as the ship veered off course, succumbing to the capricious sway of reactionism. Reacting to events can never serve as the bedrock of policy or governance principles. Instead of charting a steady course forward, the leader of democratic governance has become known for their impassioned speeches, aflame with emotion. While feeble attempts at accountability have been made, they serve only to stifle dissenting voices, rather than earning respect or approval for governmental actions.
It is glaringly evident that Manipur is in dire need of policies to quell the tempests of social upheaval. Permitting factions to freely air their grievances and resort to violence will not soothe the festering wounds of the crisis. Policy intervention is the imperative of the hour. Should the current leadership find themselves incapable of crafting effective policies, they must relinquish control to those better suited for the task. With the Cabinet lying dormant, this entreaty falls squarely upon the shoulders of its leader.
Professor Meghnad Desai, a luminary in the realm of economics, in his latest work, delves into the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He mourns the inadequacy of antiquated economic policies in the face of such unprecedented challenges. Manipur, too, bears the scars of this global catastrophe, worsened by the ongoing conflicts between the Kukis and the Meiteis. Policy, not violence, must guide the way through these turbulent times.
In conclusion, the land of Manipur cries out for policy solutions to mend the frayed fabric of its governance and heal the wounds of the protracted crisis between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The gravity of the situation necessitates action from the leadership—a steadfast dedication to formulating and executing policies that prioritize the welfare of the people above all else.