Not much to hope for in year 2025
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 01, 2025 -

AS Manipur had been relatively free from any major social rift or law and order issues for over six years prior to May 2023 when the Kuki-Meetei conflict broke out, it is but natural that all citizens of the strife-torn state would be eagerly looking forward to those helming the affairs at New Delhi and in the state resolving the humanitarian crisis besieging the state for over 19 months.

Apart from the subdued campaigning for the parliamentary elections, the just-ended year was dominated by the Kuki-Meetei clash, marked by brutal killings of even women and children.

Though demands are being raised for separate administration for the Kuki community and granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meetei/Meitei, not to forget about the protracted Naga political talks which continue to elude solution, these issues would be little interest to the general population as their main concern would be seeing an early end to the on-going unrest situation.

As Manipur embraces the New Year those helming the affairs would also be wishing that the pending issues do not derail normal chores for any instance of socio-ethnic instability would naturally be seen by the people as administrative incompetency.

While bringing solution to the Naga political talks or the demand for separate administration by the Kuki community, and its likely adverse impact, if any, on Manipur will rest entirely on how the Union government handles these sensitive issues, restoring order in the state would definitely top the agenda for the N Biren government, as it is obvious that both the civil society organisations and the opposition political parties would question its commitment in ensuring safety of the commoners.

Regardless of the incumbent government starting its first five-year tenure on an auspicious note when it brought to an end the record-breaking economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council in Manipur sector of the two national highways, it needs no reminding that the coalition government is being held accountable for the deaths of civilians and displacement of thousands due to the Kuki-Meetei feud.

The last few years, before outbreak of the communal conflict, had also experienced significant improvement in the law and order situation but the government cannot afford to relish the past achievements till solution could be brought to the present restive environment.

Thus, it could be safely stated that settling the Kuki-Meetei conflict in the year 2025 would be an onerous task, especially taking into account that the centre is making no tangible move to bring the warring communities to the negotiating table other than despatching para-military forces whenever there is escalation of violence.

Moreover, with Manipur having various ethnic groups with diverse socio-political aspirations, it would be wishful thinking that the state remains eternally free from restive situations.

Of the many minor and major issues pending solution that could see isolated incidents of causing disruption to normal life, the people would be hoping that no civilians fall prey to the ethnic conflict in 2025.

Nevertheless, with chief minister N Biren seemingly enjoying unconditional backing of the Union government in-spite of the public suffering owing to the conflict, the masses would continue to repose faith in the state government that the new year will be filled with welfare activities, and promises translated actions rather than taking the people for a ride with tall promises.