Manipur's Critical Juncture: The Imperative for Peace and Political Resolution
For over eleven months, Manipur has been governed under President's Rule, a situation that initially appeared necessary given the evident failure of former chief minister N Biren Singh to manage the escalating ethnic conflict. However, as the state approaches thirty-three months since violence first erupted, the deep divisions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities remain starkly visible through rigid buffer zones that segregate populations.
The Fragile Calm Shattered by Targeted Violence
While sporadic violence had diminished in recent months, a chilling incident on January 21 shattered this fragile peace. Mayanglambam Rishikanta Singh, a Meitei man living with his Kuki wife in Churachandpur district, was shot dead by suspected Kuki militants. The killing was recorded on video and circulated with a menacing message: "No peace, no popular government." This calculated act of violence serves as a grim reminder of the persistent tensions threatening reconciliation efforts.
The video's distribution appears deliberately designed to intimidate both Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups currently engaged in dialogue aimed at building consensus for forming an elected government. This heinous crime must not derail the painstaking progress toward political normalization that has been achieved through difficult negotiations.
Glimmers of Hope in Political Dialogue
Despite the challenges, there have been significant developments in recent weeks that offer hope for political resolution. In mid-December, the BJP convened a landmark meeting in New Delhi that brought together Meitei and Kuki-Zo legislators under one roof for discussions. This was followed last week by another crucial gathering where Kuki-Zo MLAs and insurgent groups participating in the Suspension of Operations agreement met to discuss conditions for forming a state government.
These meetings represent a historic breakthrough as tribal bodies have indicated for the first time their willingness to participate in the state government. While Kuki-Zo representatives have made clear that their MLAs require written assurances from the Centre regarding separate administration—a longstanding tribal demand that remains contentious—the mere fact that representatives from both communities are engaging in substantive dialogue marks significant progress.
The Constitutional Clock is Ticking
The legal framework governing President's Rule adds urgency to the situation. While such rule can be imposed for a maximum of three years, any extension beyond one year requires declaration of a national emergency and certification by the Election Commission that conditions remain unsuitable for conducting elections. This constitutional reality underscores the need for accelerated political progress.
The Way Forward: Building on Fragile Progress
Manipur desperately needs liberation from this prolonged political impasse. With each passing day of societal fragmentation and militarization, the task of reunifying the state becomes increasingly difficult. The Centre, political parties across the spectrum, and civil society organizations must demonstrate unwavering resolve in the face of provocations designed to derail peace efforts.
The initial progress toward reconciliation, however tentative, represents hard-won ground that must be protected and expanded. All stakeholders must recognize that the alternative—continued division and violence—serves no community's long-term interests. The path forward requires courageous leadership, sustained dialogue, and a shared commitment to rebuilding Manipur's social fabric through inclusive political processes.
As Manipur stands at this critical crossroads, the choices made in coming weeks will determine whether the state moves toward healing and democratic restoration or deeper entrenchment of division. The imperative for peace and political process has never been more urgent.
