Manipur's Crisis : Failed governance, blind Centre, and what now ?

Aboy Mangang *

Manipur, a picturesque State in India’s North Eastern corner, is currently grappling with a severe crisis that has left its people in despair. Since May 3rd of last year, the State has been embroiled in violence perpetrated by Kuki narco-terrorists, particularly from militant groups targeting the indigenous Meitei community.

These groups have been fuelling unrest, and the ongoing conflict has claimed over 250 lives, deepening the divide between communities. The situation worsened with the abduction and brutal killings of six Meitei individuals, including three women and three children, by Kuki militants. Their bodies were discovered in the Jiri River, further intensifying the anger and frustration of the Meitei people.

In response, masses of citizens have taken to the streets, demanding accountability from elected representatives and the Government, echoing the same sentiment that fuelled the 2001 uprising: the people have had enough.

Despite the rising tensions and calls for action, both the State Government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and the Central Government appear to be either powerless or indifferent to the situation. This article examines the failures of governance, and the possible paths forward for the people and the State of Manipur. The State that came into existence for the protection of citizens as stated in the social contract theory by John Locke, has miserably failed to fulfil its responsibility.

The Ineffectiveness of State and Central Governments

At the heart of the crisis is the clear failure of both the State and Central Governments to adequately address the law and order situation in Manipur. The State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, has been largely ineffective in restoring peace and security in the region.

Since the outbreak of violence, the Government has been accused of failing to take concrete steps to curb militant activity and protect the indigenous population. The people of Manipur, especially the Meitei community, feel increasingly vulnerable, as the State seems unable or unwilling to act decisively against the perpetrators of violence.

On the National stage, the Central Government has similarly failed to take effective action. The Prime Minister has been preoccupied with foreign diplomatic engagements, such as the G-20 in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS summit, and domestic electoral campaigns, leaving the crisis in Manipur to fester.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister, instead of focusing on addressing the security situation in the State, has been criticized for appeasing militant groups and diverting resources to unrelated matters. The lack of intervention from the Centre has led many in Manipur to feel abandoned, as if their suffering is of little concern to the powers that be.

From the perspective of people of the State, this neglect is not new. The indigenous community has long felt marginalized by the Central authorities, who often treat Manipur as an afterthought. For many, the present crisis serves as a painful reminder of the State’s history of neglect, broken promises, and failure to uphold the interests of the people.

The fact that more than 250 lives have been lost and the situation continues to deteriorate without meaningful intervention is seen as a direct failure of governance.

The Rising Discontent: A Call for Accountability

The growing discontent among the Meitei people is evident. Protests, including a widespread boycott of both State and Central Government offices, have become common. Citizens have begun demanding the resignation of the elected representatives, particularly the Chief Minister, for their failure to protect the people and bring peace to the region. The situation is reminiscent of the June 18, 2001 uprising, when Meitei citizens rose up in response to what they saw as threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

However, a question arises: Is it wise to fight against the State forces, many of whom are Meitei personnel themselves ? This dilemma reflects the complexity of the situation. While the Meitei people are understandably angry at the violence and neglect, it is important to recognize that the State security forces, though predominantly Meitei, are tasked with maintaining law and order. As a result, any attempt at confrontation with them risks deepening internal divisions and creating a further rift between the Meitei people and their own security forces.

The real challenge lies not in fighting the State forces but in finding a way to hold the Government accountable for its failures and to demand action without descending into complete violence. The absence of clear, strategic leadership and a unified movement has left the Meitei people in a state of confusion and disarray. It is clear that emotions are running high, but without a clear vision, this emotional energy will ultimately lead to further chaos and a lack of progress.

A Framework for Resolving the Crisis

Given the current state of affairs, the question becomes: What now ? Several key suggestions that could help the community organize itself, push for meaningful change, and ultimately work toward resolving the crisis in constructive and fruitful manner are highlighted.

Firstly, Setting Clear and Defined Goals : One of the most important steps for any movement is to have a clear, defined set of objectives. The people of Manipur need to understand precisely what they are fighting for

. This is not a battle against the Meitei community’s own security forces, nor is it simply a reaction to violence; it is a struggle for justice, for the protection of their lives and land, and for the accountability of the State and Central Governments.

A successful movement requires clarity of purpose, something that has been lacking in many previous uprisings in Manipur. Without a focused vision, the movement risks becoming fragmented, with various groups pursuing different agendas.

A united front is necessary to avoid wasting energy on internal disputes and to channel efforts toward a common goal. Whether that goal is the resignation of ineffective leaders, the restoration of peace, or the establishment of stronger protective measures, the people must be clear about what they seek to achieve.

Secondly, Strong Leadership and Organization : In any successful movement, strong leadership is indispensable. The people need capable leaders who can unite the community and guide them toward meaningful action. The leadership could come from prominent figures within civil society organizations, or it could emerge from a new coalition of voices who can work together to build a cohesive strategy.

Additionally, the movement must be well-organized, with clear structures at all levels—from grassroots to leadership. This organization would allow for efficient communication, coordination of protests, and the protection of key resources like food and supplies. A lack of organization has been one of the major pitfalls in past movements in Manipur, leading to disjointed efforts and missed opportunities.

Thirdly, Ensuring Basic Needs and Economic Stability: One of the critical elements of a successful movement is the ability to meet the basic needs of the people. The article highlights the importance of ensuring food security and controlling inflation, which have been major issues in Manipur, especially given its already fragile economy. Many movements have failed due to shortages of essential goods, which can quickly demoralize the masses.

The people need a mechanism to control the inflation of essential commodities and ensure that the population has access to basic needs. One potential solution could be the establishment of a social audit system for warehouses and wholesale markets, ensuring that goods are not hoarded or manipulated by unscrupulous traders.

Fourthly, The Role of Educational Institutions : Educational institutions have historically played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and providing a space for intellectual development. The article stresses the importance of keeping schools and universities open during this crisis.

These institutions can become hubs for critical thinking, where intellectuals, activists, and ordinary citizens can come together to discuss the issues at hand, formulate strategies, and develop informed opinions on how best to address the crisis. Intellectuals and scholars can help generate the necessary frameworks for a successful movement, as has been seen in global movements for justice and freedom.

Fifth, Mobilizing Women’s Groups : The Meira Paibis, a powerful and influential women’s group in Manipur, have historically been at the forefront of social and political movements. Their active participation in the current crisis is essential.

The Meira Paibis have been playing and can continue to play a crucial role in protecting community leaders, volunteers, and vulnerable villages from coercive action of the security forces and other State apparatuses and ultimately in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the State.

They can also contribute significantly to the logistical side of the movement, ensuring that food and essential supplies reach those in need and that prices remain stable. Their involvement is crucial in creating a sustainable and well-rounded movement that can endure the challenges ahead.

Challenges and Obstacles

Despite the proposed solutions, the path forward is fraught with challenges. One of the major obstacles is the lack of unity among civil society organizations with different organisational goals and leaderships. Though it may seem the CSOs are united however there lies hidden differences among different groups. Many groups remain divided, and some have been silent in the face of the Government’s failures.

Additionally, there are internal divisions among the political elites, with some BJP MLAs reportedly competing for the position of Chief Minister, which further weakens the State’s ability to address the crisis effectively.

Furthermore, the people face severe economic challenges, with limited resources to sustain a long-term movement. The State’s economic situation, with a per capita income well below the National average, makes it difficult for the population to carry out sustained protests or actions. The lack of immediate rewards and the long, drawn-out nature of the struggle can easily lead to demotivation among the masses.

Conclusion : A Call for Resilience and Unity

In conclusion, the crisis in Manipur represents a moment of profound challenge but also an opportunity for the people to reclaim their agency and demand accountability from both the State and Central Governments. The path forward lies not in violence or emotional reactions, but in building a well-organized, goal-oriented movement led by strong, united leadership.

By ensuring basic needs, fostering intellectual dialogue, and mobilizing civil society groups like the Meira Paibis, the community can create a movement that is not only reactive but proactive in shaping a better future for Manipur.

While the obstacles are many, the resilience of the Meitei people is undeniable. The time has come to turn frustration into focused action and build a movement.