The Unfolding Crisis in Manipur: A Call for Accountability and Action

THE UNFOLDING CRISIS IN MANIPUR

Manipur conflict setting on unabatedly and having broke out dramatically on the very significant date of May 3, 2023; meanwhile it has exacerbated the extreme failure of both the Union government at the national level and the state governments at the regional level to handle the violence that has augmented ominously and bring in a semblance of peace to the region effectively. This has devastated the lives of countless innocent civilians, particular attention toward vulnerable women and children, so emphasizing the grave failure of governance in the protection and the maintenance of fundamental principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

A Tragic Reality: The Cost of Inaction

Latest reports tell us that infiltrators, identified as Kuki militants have indulged in the worst forms of violence and brutalities, which leave behind on them the brutal murders of women and children. Bodies left abandoned on the banks of the Barak River serve as chilling reminders of the lawlessness that has engulfed the region. Such barbarities call for the most immediate and unequivocal condemnation followed by decisive action in bringing perpetrators to book.

Meanwhile, as more and more evidence of atrocities surfaces, there has been a glaring absence of real steps to protect innocent victims. Women and children are all too often "catching hell" and losing lives in the crossfire of their continent's ugly political and ethnic struggle. When is enough suffering by citizens going to be enough for the politicians?

The Failure of Governance

The constitution mandates both the Union and Manipur governments to protect the citizenry of either state. Article 21 of the Indian Constitution promises the right to life and liberty - a hollow promise in the prevailing crisis. Within the past year, however, not much more than perfunctory expressions of concern from authorities have surfaced. Statements on social media and shallow assurances cannot take the place of action and change in policy.

The crisis is being fed by the absence of all-inclusive strategy to address the clashes—be it dialogue, law enforcement, or humanitarian aid. Additionally, the inability of the law enforcement authorities to maintain order coupled with failure to attack the root cause of the crisis has allowed the cycle of violence to continue.

Infiltration and Security Concerns

The infiltration of militants and their role in fueling the violence are key concerns that require urgent attention. Border security must be strengthened, and intelligence networks must be enhanced to prevent such breaches in the future. However, a singular focus on militarism without addressing the underlying socio-political grievances will only provide a temporary solution.

A Path Forward

The governments at both levels must prioritize peace and security in Manipur. Here are some immediate and long-term actions that can help mitigate the crisis:

1. Swift Justice: Bring perpetrators of violence to justice through fast-track courts.
2. Strengthened Security: Enhance border controls and intelligence operations to prevent further infiltration.
3. Humanitarian Aid: Provide immediate relief to displaced and affected populations, focusing on the needs of women and children.
4. Dialogue and Reconciliation: Initiate inclusive dialogue between conflicting parties to address the root causes of the conflict.
5. Accountability Measures: Hold government officials accountable for their failure to act and ensure transparency in their response.

The crisis in Manipur is a stark reminder of the cost of inaction and governance failures. Protecting the dignity and lives of citizens is not just a constitutional mandate but a moral imperative. Both the Union and Manipur governments must rise to the occasion, implementing robust measures to restore law and order, uphold justice, and rebuild the social fabric of the state. The time for words is over; it is time for action.