Centre Needs to Address Manipur Issue Following Biren's Departure
In the northeastern state of Manipur, a conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has been causing chaos for the past 21 months, resulting in at least 250 deaths. The violence erupted in May 2023 and has since deepened the divide between the two communities.
The conflict has had a profound impact on the lives of Manipur's citizens. Territorial bans on people from the other community have caused distress, and the state machinery lost control over administering the state during the unrest. The police force is perceived as partisan by some people, and members of both communities have raided police stations and IR battalions, seizing arms and ammunition.
The court ruling in favor of the Meiteis regarding their demand for ST status has further fueled the conflict. This ruling has been a compelling circumstance that has forced Manipur's Chief Minister, Nongthombam Biren Singh, to resign a day before a planned no-confidence motion against him and his government. Biren Singh's resignation may not assuage the affected people who remain deeply polarized.
It is reported that Biren Singh played a partisan role in the conflict, favoring the Meitei community. The Union home minister has been trying to find a way out of the impasse in Manipur, and the Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to help maintain peace in the state.
The border with Myanmar is fluid, and banned outfits are operating inside Manipur. Drugs are being moved freely, and illegal immigration is becoming a bigger issue. The Supreme Court has called for forensic evidence regarding a leader's role in instigating violence against the Kuki-Zo.
Bringing the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo together is necessary for peace to return in Manipur. The current candidate being considered to fill the vacancy of the resigned Chief Minister in Manipur, who already has experience in managing conflicts between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo, is not specified in the provided search results. A spell of Central rule under the Governor might be necessary until peace returns and a leader who can address the concerns of both communities is chosen.
Despite the Prime Minister not visiting Manipur during the last 21 months of conflict, public pressure and rising dissidence within the ruling party were compelling circumstances that led to Biren Singh's resignation. The hope is that this change will bring about a resolution to the ongoing conflict and restore peace in Manipur.
