Violence has returned to Manipur once again with at least ten people having died in recent weeks. What is a matter of concern is that attacks have taken on a new dimension with drones being used to bomb rivals. The severity of the situation was evident when Chief Minister Biren Singh convened an urgent meeting of the state cabinet and then had a late night meeting with the Governor. However, what transpired in these meetings is not known.
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It has been 16 months since the ethnic clashes began resulting in over 200 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people and yet there is no sign of the situation being restored to normal. The state government and the Centre alike do not seem to have any clue as to what could be the way forward to bring Manipur out of the morass.
The hardening of ethnic identities among the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities is a consequence of the failure of the policies pursued by the governments.The Centre, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continues to ignore the Opposition’s criticism and suggestions to bring back peace in the state while the chief minister appears more concerned about holding on to his chair. It is time to think out of the box as all else has failed.
