Embers in Manipur

The ethnic conflict in Manipur has long been attributed to a combination of factors, including the state’s proximity to Myanmar and the alleged rise in illegal immigration. While these issues may be real, they have been grossly exaggerated by the government to justify its hardline stance against the Kuki-Zo communities. The recent red alert issued by the Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur has been nothing short of a joke but a dangerous and irresponsible move. The red alert was announced on September 16, sparking panic and confusion and taking a perilous turn when Manipur’s Chief Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, appointed by the Union Home Minister, claimed that intelligence reports indicated the infiltration of over 900 Kuki militants from Myanmar. These militants, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons and trained in jungle warfare and drone-based attacks, were alleged to be preparing for a full-scale offensive on September 28, targeting Meitei villages. Instead of addressing this alarming input through appropriate security channels, the adviser inexplicably chose to share it with the press, creating a sense of imminent doom across the state.Soon after, Meitei extremist groups, emboldened by the Manipur government’s rhetoric, called for pre-emptive strikes against the supposed Kuki militants in the name of self-defense. The narrative promoted by Biren Singh’s administration, portraying all Kukis as Myanmarese immigrants, poppy cultivators, and smugglers, added fuel to the already raging ethnic tensions. However, when security agencies investigated the claims, it was revealed that the alarming report was baseless. The so-called infiltration of 900 militants was nothing more than a fabrication, a dangerous ploy that threatened to further destabilize an already volatile region. Even the security forces stationed in Manipur questioned the credibility of the intelligence inputs, challenging the Security Adviser to provide concrete evidence.It exposes once again the brinkmanship with which the state administration is being run, prioritizing political gains over the stability and well-being of its citizens. This incident is symptomatic of a larger, more troubling trend in Manipur under Biren Singh’s leadership. For months, the state has been engulfed in ethnic violence, and the government’s handling of the situation has only deepened divisions. Biren Singh has consistently portrayed the Kukis as outsiders and lawbreakers, playing on the fears of the majority Meitei community. This has not only emboldened extremist elements within the Meitei community but also created a hostile environment for peaceful resolution.The Manipur Tribals’ Forum Delhi has rightly accused the government of spreading misinformation and urged the central government to intervene in order to restore justice and peace. The continued tenure of Biren Singh as Chief Minister, despite his role in deepening ethnic divisions, reflects the central government’s inexplicable tolerance for instability in Manipur. His brinkmanship has pushed the state to the brink of civil war, with innocent lives paying the price. While the people of Manipur long for peace and normalcy, it remains to be seen whether the Centre will step in to remove those responsible for fuelling the violence. In the end, the people of Manipur are left to wonder whether their voices will ever be heard amid the chaos. The demand for peace is clear, but as long as the flames of division are fanned by those in power, the path to normalcy will remain elusive. The question now is whether the Centre will take decisive action or allow the cycle of violence to continue?