RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat recently urged the Narendra Modi government to restore peace in Manipur, highlighting the state’s neglect. Bhagwat, noted for his unwillingness to offer unsolicited advise, broke his silence to emphasise the severity of the situation. Since the violence began in May 2023, killing over 200 people and displacing others, the region has remained a tinderbox.
The recent attack on Chief Minister Biren Singh’s convoy highlights that the issue is far from ended.
The Center’s lack of clarity regarding Manipur is quite concerning. Despite the growing violence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a point of avoiding the subject. When the opposition presented a no-confidence vote in him to force him to address the Manipur situation during the previous Lok Sabha session, Modi steered the conversation away from providing answers and towards scoring political points. The issue has gotten worse because of his avoidance of the unstable region and his lack of involvement in the local problems. The political consequences of the BJP’s recent electoral defeats in Manipur, where the Congress secured both seats, are evident.
Bhagwat’s critique of Modi’s hesitation is a wake-up call. He stressed that Manipur is a part of India and should be treated with equal care and attention as other states. Thousands of displaced people are living in appalling conditions, without access to basic essentials like as medicine and food. The disruption of schooling for thousands of pupils is a catastrophe with long-term implications. The noble tribals of Manipur cannot be expected to live as refugees in their motherland.
The unequal disarmament process is one of the key factors driving the violence. While one group has been disarmed, political-backed militias continue to terrorise communities. The imbalance has resulted in an armaments race, with both sides seeking self-defense, putting ordinary citizens at risk. Immediate action is needed to address the displacement and suffering of Kuki people and other affected communities. Those who abandoned their homes, whether in the valley or hills, deserve adequate compensation for their losses.
To mend the state’s fractures, the administration needs to undertake reconciliation efforts. Modi should visit Manipur and address the situation directly, as suggested by Bhagwat. Building trust is crucial for achieving long-term peace.
ABHISHEKVERMA
