Letting Manipur burn

Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has been engulfed in violence sparked by the Biren Singh-led BJP government’s controversial decision to recommend Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community. This move, based on a Manipur High Court directive later deemed “totally incorrect” by the Supreme Court, ignited widespread outrage among tribal communities, particularly the Nagas and Kukis. What began as a collective tribal opposition devolved into a bitter conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis, leading to tragic consequences. The violence has claimed over 300 lives and displaced around 60,000 people. More than 300 churches were burned, and Christian religious sites desecrated, further deepening communal divides. The crisis was exacerbated by the enforcement of forest laws that displaced Kuki settlers, a policy perceived as targeting them specifically. Reports of bias and active participation in the violence by the state police have only worsened the situation. This spiralling hatred between Kukis and Meiteis is especially shocking, given the communities’ historically symbiotic relationship. The mishandling of the crisis by the BJP-led state government is not only shocking but bizarre and unwarranted and has come under severe scrutiny even among its political allies. Manipur has descended from a failed state to near statelessness, with mobs emboldened by ineffective governance. Chief Minister Biren Singh, despite being solely responsible for inciting communal violence that has led the once beautiful state into near ruin, amazingly continues to enjoy the full backing of the Modi government. The justification for the so-called pogrom in Manipur is based on the incitement which has portrayed the Kukis as illegal immigrants from Myanmar and drug traffickers. This rhetoric resembles the dangerous practice of scapegoating, which can only ensure that the negative impact will be carried on for decades. On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response has been notably indifferent, with only passing mentions of Manipur during critical parliamentary debates. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has visited the state twice-once in May 2023 for four days, promising peace, and again in April 2024 during the Lok Sabha elections, where he faced protests. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has visited Manipur three times, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and justice. The voters of Manipur have rejected the BJP’s politics during the recent Lok Sabha election where the party lost the Inner Manipur to Congress and its ally the NPF losing the Outer Manipur constituency also to Congress. Despite the electoral debacle, the Modi government has steadfastly defended Biren Singh. This unwavering support raises questions about the BJP’s motives and policies. Critics argue that the ongoing violence highlights the dark underbelly of BJP politics-one that marginalizes dissenting voices and perpetuates divisions for political gain. For the people of Manipur, the cost of this conflict is immeasurable. Lives have been lost, communities fractured, and psychological scars etched into the collective memory. The realization that they have used as pawns in a broader political agenda is dawning on many. As the unrest continues, Manipur’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the perils of divisive politics and ineffective governance. The path to healing will require not only political accountability but also a genuine commitment to restoring trust among its fractured communities. If Modi and Shah care for the nation, they should remove Biren and disarm and detain thousands of armed mobs patronised by the powers that be and set up an enquiry commission headed by a judge of the Supreme Court.