Time for reset in Manipur

Four days after N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister of Manipur-a state he effectively fractured, destabilized, and degraded over the past two years-the Centre finally imposed President’s Rule on February 13. This long-delayed move came after months of turmoil, violence, and mounting public anger. It is a belated and largely symbolic step, perceived by many as a desperate attempt by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to salvage what little credibility remains in the region. The Centre had previously assumed control of security in Manipur on May 4, 2023, invoking Article 355 and deploying 12 companies of central forces. Yet, this intervention proved ineffective. The controversial notification neither curbed the worsening lawlessness nor restrained Biren Singh from pursuing policies that further inflamed tensions. His resignation now feels like a perfunctory gesture-too little, too late-while the imposition of President’s Rule appears more like a face-saving maneuver than a genuine attempt to address the state’s deep-rooted crisis. Repeated appeals for Biren Singh’s dismissal had echoed from political quarters and civil society alike.There were growing demands that a new leader be entrusted with the task of restoring order and healing the wounds inflicted not only on Manipur’s social fabric but also on India’s internal security. Yet, the Modi government stubbornly refused to act, appearing indifferent to the cries of the state’s people as violence spiraled, with mobs running amok and ethnic divisions reaching alarming heights.The nation watched in horror as targeted attacks on a particular community unfolded-brutal killings fueled by hate, and victims dismissed as terrorists, drug smugglers, or illegal immigrants. Public outrage reverberated across the country, but perhaps what stunned observers most was the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, often lauded as a decisive and assertive leader. His failure to address the Manipur crisis, coupled with his conspicuous absence from the state for over two years, was both baffling and disheartening. A visit from the Prime Minister to assure citizens that law and order would be restored and perpetrators held accountable could have signaled hope. That opportunity was missed.Biren Singh’s tenure will be remembered for its divisive policies under the guise of reforms. His push for the inclusion of Meiteis under the Scheduled Tribe category, along with controversial land evictions framed as an anti-drug campaign, exacerbated ethnic tensions. Under his government, over 300 churches were reportedly torched, with video evidence suggesting communal motives. Some churches-standing for decades-were razed overnight on the pretext of unauthorized land occupation. Disturbingly, those responsible for this wave of arson remain unidentified and unpunished.With the BJP government now directly overseeing Manipur through the Governor, vigilance from Northeast MPs is critical to prevent any further political agendas that might exacerbate tensions. While the National People’s Party (NPP),woth seven MLAs, under Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, had withdrawn support to Biren on November 18,2024. However, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) with five MLAs remained with Biren. Now both parties will have to ensure that the next man will not be another Biren Singh or carry on with his policies. The immediate question is whether this transition will usher in genuine stability. The incoming leader should set up a commission of inquiry to uncover the root causes of the mayhem. The people of Manipur-and indeed the entire nation-deserve the truth.