Crisis pushing youth to extremism, warns Yuva JDU
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 10 2024: Yuva Janata Dal-United (Yuva JDU), the youth wing of JDU, has expressed grave concern over the escalating crisis in Manipur, warning that the prolonged violence and unrest are driving Manipuri youths toward extremism and insurgency.

In a press statement, Yuva JDU highlighted the deteriorating situation following the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, between the Meetei and Kuki Zo communities in the north-eastern state.

The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, it said quoting reports that over 60,000 people have been displaced, more than 1000 injured, and at least 300 lives lost in the violence.

"This ongoing turmoil has not only torn apart Manipur's social fabric but also inflicted severe socio-economic damage on the state", Yuva JDU noted and criticised the government for the deployment of nearly 100,000 troops in the state.

According to the organisation, the presence of such a large number of security personnel has escalated tensions rather than calming the situation.

It questioned the intentions of the central government, expressing suspicion that it might be pursuing a longterm militarised solution, effectively turning Manipur into a zone of perpetual conflict.

The statement also raised concerns about the government's silence on the crisis, which Yuva JDU opined could be linked to broader geopolitical interests.

"We are beginning to wonder if the government's silence on the matter is linked to broader geopolitical concerns, such as the desire to align with neighbouring Myanmar for strategic or economic reasons," the statement said.

This suspicion, it maintained, has fuelled resentment among the people of Manipur, who feel betrayed by the authorities.

The Yuva JDU further highlighted the socio-economic consequences of the unrest, including the closure of educational institutions, job losses, and economic collapse, all of which have increased the vulnerability of the region's youth to radicalisation.

"With educational institutions shutting down, jobs becoming scarce, and the economy collapsing, many young people, frustrated by their circumstances, are being drawn toward extremism," the statement cautioned.

Appealing to the state and central governments, the Yuva JDU urged immediate action to address the crisis.

It emphasised the disparity in the response, noting that had such violence occurred in the hometowns of top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi or union home minister Amit Shah, it would have been resolved swiftly.

The statement called for a comprehensive peacebuilding strategy that prioritises dialogue, justice for victims, and efforts to rebuild trust between the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities.

It stressed the urgency of addressing the grievances of both sides and promoting reconciliation.

"If the situation continues to deteriorate without intervention, we, along with the people of Manipur, may turn to external help, potentially seeking support from global organisations like the United Nations or even the United States," the statement warned.

The Yuva JDU stated that the situation in Manipur is at a tipping point.

The organisation emphasised the dangerous spiral of violence and extremism that has engulfed the state and cautioned that further neglect of the crisis would be a grave disservice to the nation.

"The people of Manipur are desperate for peace.

It is critical for the government to act with empathy and a sense of shared humanity to end the suffering of Manipur's people," the statement concluded.

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