Political lies and drama amidst the violence

Heisnam Devan Singh *

The situation in Manipur has been a matter of grave concerns as the ongoing violence continues to disrupt the lives of the people. The so-called “Double-engine Government”, which refers to a correlation between the ruling party at the Centre and the State, has been criticized for its inability to restore peace and stability despite having the political machinery and resources at its disposal.

The irony of a Govt entity designed to serve and protect its citizens failing to quell unrest raises questions about priorities, governance, and the human cost of political maneuvering. In recent months, Manipur has been plagued by sectarian violence, ethnic clashes and unrest that has left numerous lives disrupted and displaced.

The pain of displacement is particularly acute, with families forced to abandon their homes, their sense of security shattered. The very fabric of the community has been torn apart, leading to humanitarian crisis that seems to be met by continuous political inaction rather than direct intervention.

The question arises : Why is the Govt seemingly neglecting the plight of the people.

Political dynamics play a pivotal role in understanding the patterns of response -or lack thereof-from the Govt. The ruling party has often been accused of exploiting divisions for electoral gain, focusing more on consolidating power than on implementing effective measures to promote peace.

Political leaders must realize that their decisions and indecisions affect the everyday lives of citizens leading to an environment filled with fear and uncertainty. The unresolved crisis continues to cultivate an atmosphere of mistrust towards the authorities entrusted with maintaining order.

The longer the Govt delays asserting control and working for solutions, the deeper the divisions become, and the longer communities remain fractured. The pain experienced by the people of Manipur is compounded by the reality of facing their circumstances daily. The absence of active conflict does not equate to peace; it highlights a simmering tension that could erupt again without proactive measures.

Restoring normalcy is not just about silencing the guns. Rather it involves rebuilding shattered relation- ships and trust. The persistent violence has led to an influx of displaced individuals seeking refuge in temporary camps, where basic necessities are often unavailable.

Hundreds of families find themselves living under dire conditions, grappling with uncertainty about their future and yearning for the comfort of their homes. One of the key aspects in resolving the crisis is the resettlement of displaced people to their original homes. However, this is inherently complicated by the fear and animosity that has taken root in communities previously marked by harmony.

The Government must facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties, ensuring that stakeholders are heard and involved in the peace process. Policymakers must prioritize reconciliation and healing, recognizing that addressing grievances is imperative for fostering long-term stability. Yet, as time continues to pass it appears that political leaders are entangled in their games, seemingly prioriti-zing ambition over alle- viating suffering.

The distrust sown by political lies has only exacerbated the challenges faced by the State. Promises made by the Government to restore peace and normalcy sound hollow when contradicting actions follow. This inconsistency fuels further disillusionment among residents who once believed they could rely on their leaders during times of crisis.

Gaining the trust of the community is vital; however ,it requires more than just words. Concrete actions, accountability, and transparency are critical elements in building that trust. It’s essential to move beyond political rhetoric and engage with the community genuinely.

Moreover, the protracted violence in Manipur raises questions about the broader implications of domestic policy and federal responsibility. The Central Govt must take a more hands-on approach-activating emergency protocols to deliver aid and support without hesitation.

Peacekeeping measures and civl engagement strategies need to be implemented effectively, emphasizing the importance of systems change that address the root cause of conflict. A passive stance cannot be justified when human lives hang in the balance.

As the conflict drags on, the consequences ripple beyond immediate violence, allowing issues like poverty, education, and employment to suffer as well. Without a sustainable path towards recovery, the youth-who may feel trapped in cycles of anger and violence-are especially targeted by extre- mist ideologies.

The future leaders of the State may find themselves barren of opportunities and poisoned by resentment towards the very institutions designed to protect them. Education and rehabilitation programs must be a priority for the Government, aiming to provide a sense of hope and purpose for the younger generations. The situation in Manipur should command attention from both local and National fronts.

Civil society organizations, non-profit, and community leaders must engage proactively with residents, fostering dialogue and collaboration toward shared solutions. Community-led initiatives can empower residents, allowing them to take agency over their future while ensuring that their voices are heard.

The scars created by violence will take time to heal, but a united front can help pave the way towards recovery and mutual understanding and cooperative efforts can bridge divides. The humanitarian crisis in Manipur is a direct reflection of ongoing political failures. With each passing month, the persistence of violence only serve to deepen the anguish and frustration felt by the people.

The time of action is now-leaders must prioritize peace over politics, community well-being over personal ambition. It is critical for the Government to acknowledge its responsibilities and take decisive measures to resolve the turmoil affecting the State.

Ultimately ,the solution lies in a collective effort to restore faith in governance, heal communities, and guide Manipur towards sustainable and peaceful future.

Until then, the question remains - how long will the people of Manipur have to endure the anguish of conflict as political games continue to play out, emblematic of broader systemic failure ?