Thousands of people flocked to Imphal on Thursday night, protesting the chaotic situation in Manipur and expressing their demand for a speedy solution. The security forces barred the mass gathering to form in front of the residence of Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, however, the mob pressed on, beginning to shout out slogans about the lack of response from BJP leaders in the state.
To quell the crisis, the Minister of State has requested the continuation of the deployment of the Army and Paramilitary forces in Manipur until complete normality is restored. Significantly, the trust deficit between the communities has reached a breaking point. In order to protect the ministers, MLAs, MPs, and BJP leaders, security has been boosted in the state. The people also listed grievances such as the fact that Central Ministers and BJP leaders had arrived in Manipur before the Assembly elections, yet abandoned the people now when they are facing such a calamity, with the ethnic violence that has caused over 70 people to lose their lives, over 300 to be injured, and 1700 homes to be burned.
Ranjan Singh’s departure for New Delhi further emphasizes the complexity of the situation. Moreover, Wednesday evening saw Manipur PWD, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Konthoujam Govindas residence being vandalized by a mob in Bishnupur District. It was later revealed that this group of 100 people, mostly women, were motivated by the lack of action being taken by the state government in order to protect the locals from the armed militants.
To address the grievances of the people, the police ordered a curfew, which has been briefly relaxed in certain places to give people access to necessary resources and to perform a few urgent tasks. Additionally, the internet remains suspended since May 3rd. At present, around 4000 people are in relief camps located in the various districts of Manipur.
It is recommended that further steps should be taken to bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. For this, it is pertinent that the voices of all communities involved in the standoff be heard, involving open and honest dialogue to build understanding. Moreover, concrete measures from the government should also be taken to ensure that no more lives will be lost in the face of such violence.
