Ethnic Conflict Grips Manipur as India’s PM Modi Pursues Superpower Ambitions
Manipur, an Indian state situated in the northeastern part of the country, is currently engulfed in a devastating ethnic conflict between the Meitei majority and the Kuki tribes living in the hills. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has already resulted in more than 150 casualties and displaced 60,000 people. The underlying tensions between the two ethnic communities have been festering for years, with the Kukis accusing the Meiteis of discriminatory practices aimed at driving them out of their homes in the hills.
Amidst this volatile situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is focused on making India a global superpower, has remained conspicuously silent about the ongoing violence in Manipur. As he gears up for the upcoming general elections in India, Modi has been busy campaigning and meeting with world leaders to discuss economic goals, technology partnerships, and military alliances. However, his lack of attention to the ethnic conflict raises concerns about his commitment to addressing the pressing issues within his own country.
The conflict reached its boiling point after a student-led group of Kukis protested against the extension of affirmative action quotas to the Meiteis, which would grant them access to lands in the hills and government jobs previously reserved for the Kukis. The protest quickly escalated into violence, with police armories being raided, villages burned, and numerous lives lost within a matter of days. The situation has only worsened since then, with many seeking refuge in makeshift camps and others marking their ethnicity on their doors for safety.
The atrocities being committed in Manipur are deeply distressing, with reports of beatings, burnings, rapes, and even beheadings. Shockingly, the police force has failed to effectively intervene, often standing by as innocent civilians suffer. Modi’s government has largely turned a blind eye to the conflict, choosing to shield it from international attention. While the Prime Minister condemned a graphic video depicting the assault of two women, his overall response has been inadequate.
One cannot help but question how the Indian government has allowed such blatant human rights violations to persist for several months. This conflict underscores the dangers of prioritizing India’s superpower ambitions while ignoring the underlying issues that divide communities. Economic globalization and political fragmentation make it challenging to implement nationwide policies and address long-standing grievances. However, turning a blind eye to a crisis that is causing immense harm to innocent civilians can never be justified.
In an attempt to suppress the turmoil, the government resorted to shutting down the internet, a tactic that has been frequently employed in India. While this move may have curtailed the spread of misinformation to some extent, it has also hindered the efforts of aid groups and prevented international pressure from compelling the government to take action. The internet shutdowns have impeded the collection of donations and deprived the victims of much-needed support.
As the world’s largest democracy, it is imperative for India to prioritize the well-being and security of all its citizens. Silence and inaction in the face of grave human rights violations erode the country’s credibility and hinder its progress towards becoming a global superpower. It is high time for the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Modi, to acknowledge and address the deep-seated issues fueling the ethnic conflict in Manipur. Only through open dialogue, inclusive policies, and a commitment to justice can lasting peace and harmony be achieved.
