Rising Sectarian Tensions and Violence in Manipur Pose a Challenge for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Credit: Google
The lush green foothills of Manipur, India, have become the battleground for a brutal sectarian conflict that has deepened over the past three months, resulting in over 180 fatalities and leaving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strongman image tarnished. Heavily armed rival groups, the Meitei community, and Kuki tribals, have been relentlessly firing at each other from fortified bunkers, with no signs of resolution in sight.
The violence erupted in early May after the state high court ordered the consideration of extending economic benefits reserved for Kuki tribals to the Meiteis, leading to street protests that quickly escalated into armed conflict. The clashes have resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people, villages set on fire, and reports of heinous crimes, including sexual assault against women.
The violence in Manipur started with Christian Kukis burning down Hindu Meities' homes & temples. That escalated to abductions of Hindu villagers & takeover of their home: North East India expert, Dr. Ankita Dutta | Watch: https://t.co/TAVCu8mP0s #Kukis #Meities pic.twitter.com/MECSRq2Uj4
— Citti Media (@CittiMedia) July 20, 2023
The situation has become an embarrassment for Prime Minister Modi, especially as he prepares to host a G20 summit and faces a no-confidence motion in parliament over the handling of the violence. The state government and police have been accused of bias, further fueling tensions.
In a remote region of the country, Manipur’s crisis has caught the attention of the international community, with historian and author Ramachandra Guha describing it as a “mixture of anarchy and civil war” and a failure of leadership.
“You don’t have to be an Indian to care when children or individuals die in this sort of violence”—says the American Ambassador to India about the tragic conflict in Manipur. However, there’s no evidence yet that the Indian Prime Minister cares.https://t.co/EkmalhUB6C
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) July 7, 2023
The Kukis, who constitute a third of the Meitei population, have borne a disproportionate brunt of the violence, and the conflict has further heightened their demand for a separate state within India. Despite promises of tough action from Modi, the violence continues, and questions are being raised about his government’s handling of the crisis.
Amidst the turmoil, violence against women has become a disturbing weapon, with reports of women being stripped, assaulted, and sexually abused by armed groups. The Prime Minister’s delayed response to these atrocities has sparked criticism, and the state’s focus on ‘security’ issues has left women’s rights largely overlooked.
The existence of makeshift bunkers, guarded by citizens turned ‘village defense volunteers,’ symbolizes the anarchy and fear gripping Manipur. With government apathy and insurgent groups adding to the chaos, the situation remains tense, and the resolve to protect their communities keeps these volunteers committed despite threats of government action.
The crisis in Manipur demands immediate attention and effective leadership to bring an end to the sectarian violence, protect the rights of women, and restore peace and stability to the region. As Modi’s leadership faces scrutiny and criticism, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution and justice for those affected by the conflict.
#Opposition MPs of the I.N.D.I.A alliance wore black clothes to Parliament to protest against the govt for not allowing a discussion on the #Manipurcrisis.
— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) July 27, 2023
They also brought a #NoConfidenceMotion against the Modi govt. pic.twitter.com/ANvcI0VMC6
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