Restoring Peace and Unity in Manipur: A Call for Transformation

Dangmei Dajuth *

Since the outbreak of violence on May, 2023, Manipur has been plagued by unrest, with no lasting resolution in sight. The state continues to grapple with the scars of violence and division, while the cries of its people remain unanswered.

How long must the mentality of violence persist in the hearts of its citizens? How much longer will the suffering of the people go unnoticed by both the central and state governments? Recently, the violence erupted once again, intensifying the pain of innocent lives caught in the crossfire.

A pressing question now emerges: Are we truly Indian? Why has the central government largely ignored this beautiful state for so many decades, reducing its people to mere labels of violence and insurgency? What concrete steps has the central government taken to end the insurgency and restore peace to the region?

At the same time, we must also question the responsibility of the state government — why has it not stepped forward to take ownership of the situation and work toward lasting peace? While it is true that governing Manipur is a complex challenge due to its diverse communities, their interests, and the tribal dynamics, this should not be used as an excuse for negligence.

The ongoing violence in Manipur has resulted in tremendous loss of life and deepened the sense of anguish among its people. The deep crimson pain in the hearts of the innocent people affected by the violence has spiralled into chaos, leaving behind a path of devastation and despair.

In this modern era, dialogue remains the most effective path to fostering understanding and achieving lasting peace. One of the greatest challenges is bridging the gap that divides the diverse communities that inhabit the region. It is human nature to seek dominance, but in today’s world, such an approach is obsolete.

The use of force and weaponry carries far-reaching consequences, especially in a place where multiple communities must coexist. Dialogue, therefore, is the only way to build trust and improve relations. Our thoughts shape our reality — when negativity takes root, it spreads through generations.

Change is possible, but it requires time, patience, and a collective return to the principle of "live and let live" that once defined harmonious coexistence.

Violence and the pride of boasting about lives lost are not the hallmarks of a progressive society. Instead, we must choose peace over conflict, reject bloodshed in Favor of harmony, and strive for unity. How much longer will we persist on this path of destruction? Ultimately, we all leave this world behind, unable to carry even a single inch of land we once called our own.

It is time to unite and work together to bring lasting peace to our state. Thousands of innocents, impoverished people are in despair, uncertain of where to turn or where to seek refuge. Meanwhile, the wealthy, who remain unaffected by their struggles, continue to ignore the suffering of the masses.

How much longer can the poor survive in overcrowded relief camps? Why are we depriving our children's future when they are desperately in need of education today? Due to the ongoing violence and widespread poverty, many children are growing up without proper schooling, further deepening the cycle of deprivation.

If we allow this to continue, we risk raising a generation that is ill-equipped to lead and contribute to society, caught in a cycle of violence and lawlessness.

It is time for our leaders to awaken to the reality of the situation. The need for critical thinking and decisive action is now more urgent than ever. We can no longer afford to ignore the violence that surrounds us. It is our responsibility, as leaders, to come together, set aside our differences, and work towards restoring peace and harmony in the state, beginning today.

Empowering Youth for a Corruption-Free Manipur

Choose the right leaders who can work with the diverse communities, respecting every individual regardless of the tribe or community they belong to. Manipur has long struggled with corruption, and if we continue to vote for candidates who offer bribes, the state will never prosper in any sector.

Let us pledge to create a corruption-free state, with integrity in every department. The connection between corruption and violence is undeniable—the insincerity of our leaders has led to the extreme violence we are witnessing today. Corruption is the root cause of the chaos in the state, and many people are deprived of benefits that, in fact, the central government has sanctioned for rural development.

During elections, candidates often spend crores of rupees, and we must ask ourselves: Will these leaders bring development to the state, or will they funnel it into the pockets of their families? Development funds that are meant to benefit the people often end up enriching political elites, as they seek to recover their election expenses. This is an undeniable reality.

We must stop prioritizing personal gain before elections, as it undermines the very essence of democracy. Our democracy has long since lost its true meaning. The damage has been profound, and we remain mired in corruption and violence.

Let’s start afresh and rebuild Manipur into a corruption-free state. This will not only restore human dignity but also nurture a spirit of coexistence. We need competent leaders who are committed to securing a better future for the state, rather than those who seek to divide it.

Poor leadership fosters disunity among the people, which in turn fuels sectarianism. Many of our past leaders failed to stand up for the people. They could easily shout and criticize others within the state, but when it came time to advocate for the people at the national level, they lacked the necessary leadership qualities.

Often uneducated and unable to represent the interests of the public, they prioritized their own gain over the welfare of the people. If we continue to support such ignorant and hypocritical leaders, we will only perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Let us come together to foster peace and harmony in the state, leaving past mistakes behind. Let us move forward and create opportunities for our younger generation, allowing them to live freely and pursue a brighter future, rather than hindering their path.