Manipur Left Unseen by Modi: What You Need to Know

Manipur, historically significant state  located in northeast India with Imphal as its capital. This land, which has historically surfaced as a kingdom, now holds a large Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo groups. The Meitei community stays in the capital Imphal with 53% of the population and the Kukis and Nagas tribal communities live in the hills with 40% of the population. In May 2023, the first ethical violence of these two communities in the last three decades resulted in 250 lives and the dislocation of about 60,000 people. 

Reasons for the conflict:

1. The Meitei community demanded to get a Scheduled Tribe (ST) which inculcated fear in the minds of the people of Kukis that they might occupy the hills. 
2. The Meiteis accused the Kukis of occupying forest areas and their involvement in illegal drugs.
3. Since the Meiteis have greater infrastructure than the Kukis residing in hills created an inferiority complex.
4. Politicians of different parties favored both sides. 
5. There was no proper communication between these communities and mediation was not effective.
6. The previous violence took place in 1990 which also resulted in the displacement of people. The vengeance was still in their hearts.
7. In March 2023, the Supreme Court gave ST status to the Meiteis which fueled the conflict. This was the last string. When this was announced, the decision led to violent clashes, destruction of homes, and a stark division between the Meitei-dominated valley and the tribal-dominated hills.

Aftermath of the conflict:

This conflict led to the division of the ethnic zones. As a result of it, the displaced people have to stay in the refugee camp. The camps were left with no proper maintenance, supply, and poor sanitation, raising humanitarian concerns. The conflict is getting intensified by the influx of military weapons from Myanmar, the neighboring country.  

Responses from PM Narendra Modi:

“Saddening” and “Unacceptable” were the words Modi emphasized during his speeches in Rajya Sabha. He requested all the parties to set their differences aside and join hands for world peace. Speaking about the crimes happening to women in Manipur, he stated “ an absolute disgrace to the country”.

Actions Taken: 

Forces were deployed in Manipur extensively for security and officials were sent to make peace with words. Amit Shah, the Cabinet Minister was involved in resolving the issue. Whatsoever has happened, the only question that is running through the minds of the citizens and significantly politicians is “Why Prime Minister has never visited the state yet or during the crisis?”.  

Reason for Modi’s non-visit:

There was no official about Narendra Modi’s non-visits, but there are a few predictions that may be the reasons:

1. His visit may be fuel to the already burning conflicts increasing tensions.
2. The media may gaslight that he is biased if he intrudes in favor of any community.
3. The electoral prospects may have been one of the reasons since Manipur has dynamic support for the BJP. 
4. Maybe the involvement of Amit Shah is a strategy where Modi’s involvement can be hindered. 
5. These conflicts may become life-risking if the Prime Minister visits.
6. Maybe the BJP is not ready enough to face the backlash from the media and the affected people.

Conclusion

Whatever may be the reason for Modi’s non-visit, the issue must be addressed, the affected must be consoled, and the damages should be made straight. Visits can be avoided but immediate relief is expected. The opposition party and also the CM of Manipur have imposed the same question over and over “ Can the Prime Minister make one visit to Manipur?”. What will happen remains fingers crossed.

 Author's Bio 

Ayesha Jumana A R is a dedicated content writer specializing in creative content, blogs, SEO-optimised articles, and product descriptions. She has earned recognition at the national level for critical writing, contributed to the Assist World Record for Spill Poetry, and received multiple state and district-level prizes for her poetry. Her work is featured in the anthology An Invisible Bond, available on Amazon.