Leadership failure, political inertia stoke Manipur crises

A fractured state suffers ethnic strife, systemic neglect, and worsening instability under BJP governance

- A LICHOUGULE

The intermittent resurgence of unrest and tension has turned Manipur into an open battle zone. Ever since the ethnic fight between the Meitei people, a majority community living in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zomi tribal community from the surrounding hills erupted in May 2023, Manipur continues to be roiled by strife, violence, and distrust. In the absence of a unified command and a state government that seems to have abdicated its responsibility, the smouldering ethnic crisis has transformed Manipur into a conflict zone with frequent outbreaks of violence. Each fresh spate of violence is a chilling reminder that Manipur is on edge and urgently requires decisive political intervention from the Centre.