The state of Manipur in the northeastern region of India is currently grappling with a severe crisis marked by violence, resulting in significant loss of life and the displacement of thousands since early May. Regrettably, the ruling party, BJP, has chosen to maintain a conspicuous silence on the matter, which raises legitimate concerns about its priorities and commitment to addressing the pressing issues faced by the people of Manipur.
Prominent leader and activist, LamtinthangHaokip, has expressed his disappointment in the lack of response from the central government. He highlights that if Manipur were endowed with as many Lok Sabha seats as Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra, the government would have visited the state repeatedly, and perhaps normalcy would have been restored by now. This idea reflects the growing sentiment among Manipur’s citizens that they are being neglected and treated as second-class citizens by the BJP-led central government.
Taking a broader perspective, there is an unsettling perception that the BJP is prioritizing its electoral ambitions over actively seeking a viable political solution to address the deep-rooted issues causing violence in the state. The absence of any response or acknowledgement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi further exacerbates the anguish and alienation felt by the people of Manipur.
To address the situation and expedite the restoration of peace, civil society activists recommend the appointment of an independent inquiry committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, which could offer essential guidance to protect citizens’ lives and ensure security in the state. Additionally, these activists emphasize the need to address the longstanding divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities, suggesting the establishment of a separate administration to foster reconciliation and bridge the gap.
Furthermore, the government’s decision to impose an Internet shutdown initially intended to prevent the spread of rumours and fake news, has hindered the flow of accurate information and updates from the ground. The activists who visited Manipur for fact-findingcontend that resuming Internet services is essential not only for obtaining real-time reports but also to facilitate online transactions, applications, and educational activities in the state.
Despite several hearings on the Manipur violence, the Supreme Court’s interventions have not resulted in significant improvements. This has further highlighted the need for concrete action from the central government to address the situation. The opposition has initiated a no-confidence vote against the BJP government to draw attention to the ongoing violence in Manipur and demand accountability.
The root cause of the violence in Manipur lies in a court order that directed the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas to the tribal Kuki-Zo people, mainly Christians, on par with the majority Hindu Meitei population. The subsequent tensions and violence underscore a security and political failure by the BJP government, which could have broader implications in the upcoming national election.
The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a video that showed two women being paraded naked and assaulted by a mob in Manipur, prompting outrage and condemnation. The court is expected to examine the steps taken by the government to address the situation and the alleged bias within the state machinery, which is hindering the restoration of normalcy.
Chhattisgarh – A Story of No-Confidence
Beyond Manipur, the state of Chhattisgarh is witnessing their share of political turmoil, reflecting the larger challenges faced by the country. In Chhattisgarh, a no-confidence motion was moved by the BJP against the Congress-led government of Chief Minister BhupeshBaghel. The 13-hour stormy debate ended with the motion being defeated by a voice vote, securing the survival of the government. While the BJP had only 13 members in the 90-member assembly, the Congress enjoyed a majority with 71 members.
The BJP accused the Congress government of being involved in alleged scams, failing to fulfil poll promises, and presiding over a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The ruling congress party, on the other hand, rejected these charges, claiming the opposition failed to present concrete issues and lacked factual evidence.
Chief Minister BhupeshBaghel’s response to the no-confidence motion focused on highlighting the government’s achievements. While showcasing accomplishments is important, it is equally crucial for the government to address genuine concerns raised by the opposition and the public. Engaging in constructive dialogue and acknowledging shortcomings can pave the way for a more accountable and effective administration.
Amid political turmoil, the BJP has accused the Congress government in Chhattisgarh of being responsible for increasing Naxal attacks and targeting BJP leaders. The escalating incidents of violence and political killings in the Bastar region have raised concerns about the state’s security and stability. However, attributing the blame entirely to the ruling party may oversimplify the complex nature of the Naxal issue, which has persisted for decades, transcending different administrations.
In the discourse surrounding political leadership in India, certain representatives affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) level accusations against the Congress party, critiquing its purported inability to maintain law and order, fulfill electoral promises, and address instances of corruption. Such assertions are viewed by some as lacking depth and cogency. Empirically, it is observed that there are scant instances of states governed by the BJP where incidents of communal violence have not occurred. Moreover, there exists criticism regarding the BJP government’s perceived reticence concerning the Adani-Hindenburg case, as well as their seeming disregard for the escalating issue of communalism and the mounting inflation. These factors collectively form a response to the inquiries raised by the BJP in regions where they do not hold governmental authority.
In both Manipur&Chhattisgarh, it is crucial for the central government to step in and take concrete actions to address the underlying issues, restore peace, and ensure the well-being of the citizens. The indifference shown by the BJP government is alarming and raises concerns about its commitment to empathetic and humanitarian governance.
As a responsible and democratic government, the BJP must address the concerns raised by the opposition and the people of Manipur. An independent inquiry committee could provide valuable insights and recommendations to resolve the crises. The Prime Minister must break his silence and take concrete steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens in these regions.
The people of Manipur and Chhattisgarh have suffered for too long, and it is time for the government to listen to their voices and act swiftly to bring lasting peace and stability. The BJP must rise above its partisan interests and prioritize the welfare of the people it governs.
Author is Vikram Raj, a freelance Journalist who writes on a wide range of stories from stories of displacement, atrocities and human rights violations.