The current violence in Manipur, a state in India’s northeast, has exposed deep-seated ethnic conflicts, a failing government system, and a conspicuous lack of leadership. Since May 2023, when violence broke out between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki groups, more than 200 people have been killed, and over 60,000 have been displaced. What began as a localized ethnic dispute has quickly developed into a full-fledged humanitarian disaster, exposing fundamental flaws in India’s management of internal conflicts, human rights violations, and governance failings. This is more than simply a Manipur issue; it is an Indian issue with repercussions for the country’s overall stability.

The violence highlights long-standing tensions in India’s northeastern region, where ethnic diversity, physical isolation, and central government indifference have long fueled discontent. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Indian government’s failure to respond appropriately has pushed Manipur, one of India’s seven northeastern “Sisters,” to the brink of collapse.

A Long-Simmering Conflict: Historical Grievances and Ethnic Tensions

To understand the current issue in Manipur, it is critical to comprehend its historical and ethnic context. The Hindu Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki and Naga tribes, largely Christian ethnicities that inhabit the surrounding hills, make up Manipur’s population. The Meiteis, who account for around 60% of the state’s population, live in only 10% of the land—the valley—while the hill tribes govern the other 90%. This unequal allocation of land and resources has resulted in long-standing disputes.

Historically, British colonial authorities exacerbated tensions by treating hill tribes and valley people differently, instilling distrust. Following independence, successive Indian governments failed to bridge these gaps, and programs aimed at land reform frequently exacerbated ethnic tensions. A Manipur High Court decision in April 2023 advocating for the inclusion of the Meiteis on the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list provoked the most recent unrest, a status that would provide them considerable economic and political benefits. For the indigenous Kukis and Nagas, this decision posed a threat to their already limited access to land and resources.

The Spark that Ignited the Flame: The Role of Governance and the Judiciary

The violence erupted on May 3, 2023, following a protest march organized by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the court’s judgment. The demonstration swiftly turned violent, resulting in the burning of houses, businesses, and places of worship. While the court verdict was the immediate catalyst, the violence underscores deeper socioeconomic and political divisions that the state and federal administrations have long disregarded. Despite the deployment of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces under Article 355, which permits the central government to intervene in a state’s internal affairs, the violence has persisted for over a year. This prolonged turmoil demonstrates a failure in governance at both the state and national levels. The government’s incapacity to control the situation, coupled with law enforcement agencies’ failure to protect residents, raises significant questions about its ability to manage internal disputes.

The Helplessness of the Military and Law Enforcement

India’s military, which costs $85 billion per year, has been shockingly ineffective in quelling the bloodshed in Manipur. Reports of vigilante organizations like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Lippun, allegedly armed with military-grade weaponry stolen from state police arsenals, indicate a collapse in law and order. These groups have committed heinous acts of violence, including gender-based violence, abductions, and public executions, with little to no consequences. Amnesty International has documented multiple cases where police stood by or even participated in the violence. Victims from the Kuki community have reported that police units headed by Meitei officers failed to file complaints, investigate attacks, or provide protection. The Supreme Court of India has described the situation in Manipur as an “absolute breakdown of law and order,” which is a scathing indictment of both state and federal administrations. The military’s ineffectiveness, along with the police’s complicity, paints a bleak picture of India’s internal security structure. The fact that vigilante organizations can operate with impunity, abducting police officers without consequence, illustrates how thoroughly fragmented the system is. The central government’s unwillingness to deliver a coordinated and decisive policy response exacerbates the region’s perception of lawlessness.

Modi’s Silence: A Leadership Crisis

One of the most striking aspects of the Manipur situation is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarkable silence. As the leader of the world’s largest democracy, Modi bears responsibility for addressing the rising violence in Manipur. However, more than a year into the crisis, he has neither issued a major policy statement nor visited the region. His government’s apathy toward the suffering of the displaced, the deceased, and the persecuted casts doubt on India’s democratic credentials. Modi’s reticence reflects a broader pattern in his government’s handling of criticism and domestic discontent. The BJP’s political policy has long been to sidestep issues related to minority rights, whether in Kashmir with the Muslim majority or in Manipur with the Christian Kukis. The party’s emphasis on a Hindutva agenda, which seeks to promote Hindu dominance in India, has exacerbated tensions in regions like Manipur, where ethnic and religious minorities feel marginalized and threatened. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a BJP member, has done little to diffuse tensions. His divisive rhetoric, which labels the Kukis as “illegal immigrants” and “terrorists,” has only fueled the violence. His government’s failure to hold criminals accountable, particularly vigilante organizations from the Meitei minority, suggests a tacit approval of the ongoing conflict.

A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding: The Plight of the Displaced

The ethnic conflict in Manipur has resulted in a major humanitarian disaster. More than 60,000 people, primarily from the Kuki and other hill tribes, have been displaced. Relief camps are overcrowded and undersupplied, with reports of limited access to food, water, sanitation, and medical care. Amnesty International has criticized both the state and federal governments for failing to provide adequate assistance to the victims. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups have stepped in to fill the void, although they face increasing pressure from the Indian government. Foreign financial restrictions, security agency harassment, and bureaucratic red tape have hindered their ability to operate effectively. The Indian government’s use of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to silence NGOs is a troubling symptom of the country’s rising authoritarianism.

The Bigger Picture: Manipur as a Microcosm of India’s Fault Lines

The crisis in Manipur is not an isolated incident but rather a manifestation of larger fault lines in India’s political and social landscape. The central government has long neglected the northeastern states, known as the “Seven Sisters.” Geographically remote, culturally diverse, and economically underdeveloped, these states are ripe for insurgency and separatist movements. The situation in Manipur serves as a wake-up call to the Indian government. It emphasizes the critical need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to governance, one that addresses the concerns of marginalized populations rather than suppressing them. The longer the government delays addressing these issues, the greater the likelihood of further instability in Manipur and across India.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Action

The violence in Manipur has revealed the Indian government’s inability to protect its population, respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law. Prime Minister Modi’s passivity, the complicity of local law enforcement, and the military’s ineffectiveness have all contributed to the escalating crisis. The government must act swiftly to restore peace, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that displaced individuals receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. India’s democratic credentials are at stake. A country that prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy cannot afford to ignore the pleas of its citizens. Manipur is more than a local issue; it is a national disaster requiring immediate attention and action.