Silent Suffering: The Unheard Voices of Manipur Amidst One Year of Turmoil.
As Manipur commemorates one year since the eruption of violence that shook its core, Prime Minister Modi's notable absence from the troubled state raises questions. Amidst ethnic tensions and communal clashes, the silence of the Prime Minister has drawn criticism, especially as the situation in Manipur continues to remain precarious.
The genesis of the turmoil can be traced back to October 3 last year, when tribal youth staged a silent protest against violence in Imphal, Manipur's capital. Ethnic violence, predominantly between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, erupted on May 3, 2023, as reported by ANI. The Meiteis, comprising over half of Manipur's population, reside primarily in and around Imphal, with a significant Hindu demographic. Conversely, the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribes inhabit the hilly districts, with the Kuki-Zo community being predominantly Christian.
In the wake of this strife, Manipur bore witness to a series of violent incidents, resulting in loss of lives and property, alongside prolonged internet shutdowns exacerbating the crisis.
Despite mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society, Prime Minister Modi's response to the Manipur crisis has been under scrutiny. His first public acknowledgement of the situation came amidst a national uproar following a horrifying video surfacing on July 19, 2023, depicting the stripping and sexual assault of two women in Manipur. Expressing anguish, Prime Minister Modi vowed justice for the victims, marking the first time he addressed the violence in Manipur.
Opposition leaders relentlessly questioned the Prime Minister's inaction and absence from Manipur. However, despite repeated pleas and calls for intervention, Prime Minister Modi remained conspicuously distant from the troubled state, embarking instead on a whirlwind of domestic tours within the country.
Government records reveal a staggering count of nearly 160 domestic trips undertaken by Prime Minister Modi between May 2023 and April 2024, with Rajasthan topping the list at 24 visits. Notably absent from these tours were visits to Manipur, the epicentre of the violence that gripped the nation's attention.
While Home Minister Amit Shah actively engaged with stakeholders during the crisis, Prime Minister Modi's absence from Manipur underscored a significant gap in leadership response, leaving many to question the government's commitment to resolving the conflict.
Amidst the turmoil, recent revelations in a charge sheet filed by the CBI have once again thrust Manipur into the spotlight. Shocking allegations of stripping and sexual assault against women, detailed in the charge sheet, highlight the gravity of the situation. Manipur's Police Director General Rajiv Singh confirmed swift action against the accused, emphasizing the ongoing investigation by the CBI.
The toll of the violence in Manipur has been severe, with over 200 casualties reported, thousands displaced, and extensive property damage—the economic ramifications, including losses due to internet shutdowns, further compound the state's woes.
As Manipur marks one year since the onset of violence, the absence of a lasting solution continues to cast a shadow over the state's future. Despite assurances and sporadic actions, the path to reconciliation and peace remains elusive, underscoring the need for concerted efforts and sustained engagement from all stakeholders to heal Manipur's wounds and chart a path towards lasting stability.
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