Manipur, a state in Northeast India, has been embroiled in ethnic violence for months, leaving over 200 people dead and displacing thousands. The conflict has raised serious concerns about the role of Manipur’s Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, and the state’s ability to restore peace. But how did this crisis unfold, and why did tensions escalate so rapidly? Let’s break it down.
The Trigger: High Court Ruling
The conflict traces back to April 2023, when the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. The Meiteis, who make up 64.6% of Manipur’s population and reside primarily in the Imphal Valley, had long demanded this recognition.
However, this move alarmed the Kuki and Naga tribal communities, who live in the surrounding hilly regions. Currently, land in Manipur’s hills is reserved exclusively for tribal communities, and the Kukis and Nagas feared that granting ST status to the Meiteis would erode their land rights and political influence. This underlying tension set the stage for the violence that followed.
The Violence Erupts
On May 3, 2023, the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a Tribal Solidarity March to protest against the Meitei demand for ST status. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly spiraled into violent clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis.
Entire villages were set ablaze, homes and religious structures were destroyed, and over 50,000 people were displaced. The conflict turned Manipur into a war zone overnight, with no end in sight.
The Role of the Government
As violence spread, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh responded by imposing curfews, suspending internet services, and deploying paramilitary forces. However, these measures failed to restore order. Allegations soon emerged that Singh’s administration was biased toward the Meitei community, failing to protect the minority Kukis.
Adding to the controversy, a Kuki militant outfit accused Singh of playing a role in the ethnic violence. Allegedly leaked tapes surfaced, prompting demands for a probe into his involvement.
Nationwide Outrage and Political Fallout
As the violence raged on, horrifying videos surfaced, including one showing two Kuki women being paraded naked by a mob. This incident sparked nationwide outrage, putting immense pressure on Singh’s leadership.
By September 2023, protesters attempted to storm Singh’s residence in Imphal East. Under pressure, he drafted a resignation letter, but women outside his residence reportedly blocked its submission. Eventually, he announced he would not step down.
Both the Supreme Court of India and the National Human Rights Commission intervened, urging the state government to protect all communities. The central government was forced to step in, deploying additional security forces, including the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
A Fragile Situation in 2024
The crisis in Manipur remains unresolved. In late 2024, the National People's Party (NPP), the second-largest ally in the BJP-led state government, withdrew its support, citing the failure to restore normalcy. In response, the central government sent 50 additional companies of security forces, totaling over 5,000 personnel.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed paramilitary forces to restore peace, but tensions remain high. Despite widespread criticism, Singh continues to hold onto power, backed by BJP’s central leadership. He insists that he is committed to bringing back stability, but can Manipur truly heal under his leadership?
The Road Ahead
With ethnic divisions running deep and trust in the state government at an all-time low, Manipur faces an uphill battle to rebuild peace. The coming months will determine whether the state can recover or if the crisis will spiral further out of control.
For now, the people of Manipur wait, hoping for an end to the violence that has ravaged their homeland.