The state is under a double engine government of BJP, which obviously has failed to control the Frankenstein that the party has created itself to grab power in the state through fanning socio-political discords for polarization of votes among various social and ethnic groups. Leaders of opposition political parties and activists have criticized the ‘unprecedented turmoil, PM Silent, and political and administrative mismanagement of the State government and the Centre.’

What has the PM Narendra Modi led government done to stop violence in Manipur since it has erupted first in May 2023? Government owed answer to this question to the victims of violence who suffered and even lost their lives and property. Chief Minister N Biren Singh has utterly failed in controlling the violence, and people and political parties have just lost their faith in him. However, the Centre keeps him in power, for the purpose, best known to the Central BJP leaders.

Chief Minister Biren Singh has called a meeting of Manipur MLAs today evening after a key ally NPP pulls out of his government after it was fed up with an uptick in violence and citing the government’s failure to “restore normalcy” and expressing “deep concern” yesterday. What is worse, six members of a family were abducted last week from a relief camp because of security lapses and five of them were found dead. Since then, mobs have targeted and vandalized the homes of several political leaders largely associated with the BJP.

NPP has named CM N Biren Singh by name to a letter to BJP chief JP Nadda which read “We strongly feel that the Manipur state government under the leadership of Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy. Keeping the current situation in mind, the National People’s Party has decided to withdraw its support to the Biren Singh led Government in the State of Manipur, with immediate effect.” Seven BJP Kuki MLAs are also at odds with the state government since Manipur violence is between Meitei and Kukis, and there are allegations that N Biren Singh has been supporting Meities. In a 60-member Manipur Vidhan Sabha, BJP has 37 MLAs, and therefore it has no threat to its government, but ethnic violence is more serious matter than running a majoritarian government at the cost of lives and properties of the people.

Violence has no sign to stop. Even today, by the time of writing this piece, a protester was killed in firing during a clash between security forces and a mob vandalising properties and resorting to arson in Jiribam district. Union Minister of Home Amit Shah will be holding a second high level meet today to review the security situation in Manipur and is expected to come out with a fresh strategy to handle the “volatile” situation.

"This is the result of anarchy under this double-engine government. The unprecedented turmoil in Manipur has created a very horrific situation. Frustrated mobs have attacked the residences of BJP ministers and MLAs, including the in-laws of CM N Biren Singh, as well as Congress MLAs and offices. This mob violence is due to the failure of Biren Singh's administration. Despite this, the honourable PM remains silent and is currently on tour. He has never addressed the situation in Manipur," says Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra.

TMC leader Sagarika Ghose has said, “18 months of civil war, over 300 civilians killed still N. Biren Singh clings to his chair … PM is embarking on yet another foreign jaunt and has still not visited Manipur.”

Manipur violence is of course rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions, political mismanagement, and unheard socioeconomic grievances. The events highlight the complex interplay of identity, governance, and historical injustices, offering critical lessons on the fragility of societal harmony in a diverse nation like India. BJP’s communal politics has just made the things worse.

The recent violence, which has primarily pitted the Meiteis and Kukis against each other, underscores how unresolved ethnic tensions can escalate into devastating conflicts. At the heart of the discord are contentious issues of land rights, access to political power, and cultural identity. For instance, the demand by the Meiteis for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status has been seen by the Kukis as a threat to their land and privileges, escalating fears and mistrust. It may be a lesson for other states too.

The violence has further deepened the already fragmented social fabric. The destruction of homes, churches, and temples not only represents physical loss but also signals the erosion of mutual respect and coexistence. Such incidents suggest that the roots of conflict extend beyond immediate triggers, revealing historical grievances and a lack of meaningful reconciliation.

The state's handling of the violence has been a focal point of criticism. Allegations of delayed responses by law enforcement and the inability of the state to prevent the escalation of violence point to governance failures. The mistrust towards state institutions, particularly accusations of partisanship in their actions, has exacerbated the crisis. Reports of police inaction or even complicity have fuelled perceptions of institutional bias, further alienating affected communities.

The militarization of the region, stemming from decades of insurgencies, has further complicated the socioeconomic landscape. The proliferation of arms and the normalization of violence have created an environment where disputes can quickly spiral into armed conflict.

The Manipur violence has broader implications for India's national integrity. As a diverse nation, India’s unity hinges on its ability to accommodate and respect its myriad identities. The failure to address the root causes of ethnic violence in Manipur risks alienating not only the affected communities but also the broader Northeast region, which has historically felt marginalized in national discourse.

Inclusive dialogue, to build trust and address grievance rather than fanning socio-political communal or ethnic polarization as BJP has been doing for a long time not only in Manipur but across the country, may be a key to resolve the issue. All communities are stakeholders in peace and therefore no community should be politically placed against the other. Equitable development, institutional reform to keep enforcement agencies impartial and accountable, and cultural reconciliation should be other steps.

The violence in Manipur is a grim reminder of the dangers of ignoring ethnic tensions and governance challenges in diverse societies. While the immediate task is to restore peace and rehabilitate the displaced, the long-term challenge lies in addressing the structural and historical factors that have fuelled the conflict. Only through sustained and inclusive efforts can Manipur hope to achieve lasting harmony and contribute to the broader vision of a united India. Politics must not be played at the cost of peace and coexistence. It holds good not only for Manipur but for the entire country. (IPA Service)