Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not visited violence singed Manipur for more than two years. It was a conspicuous absence as the state was being torn apart by ethnic violence in which 250 people lost their lives and thousands were displaced.
Now the prime minister’s proposed trip provides an opening to build on the current lull in the violence. It also an opportunity to initiate fresh negotiation between the Centre and Kuki militant groups aimed at free movement of people and goods
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Earlier, the Centre intervened in Manipur although unduccessfully. It imposed President’s Rule this year after removing N Biren Singh as chief minister
But the prime minister stayed away. The situation is changing though belatedly though reports state he will visit Manipur following his trip to Assam and Mizoram.
Since May 2023, Manipur has suffered from Centre’s neglect. The Manipur violence was allotted 41 minutes of discussion in the Budget session of Parliament in April.
That too in the dead of night after 15 hours of debate and voting on the Waqf Bill. The loss of faith of the people of this state on the institutions responsible for keeping the peace is understandable.
Some of them have arrogated themselves the power to take up arms. This has led to a vicious cycle.
The PM’s proposed visit can remedy all this and more. There are deep structural problems that won’t be settled overnight.
Nearly, 3,000 looted arms are unaccounted for. About 57,000 people still live in 280 relief camps and the absence of a popular government continues.
The violence that erupted two years ago exposed fault lines that have been widening for years. There is no criticism for imposition of President’s Rule and the removal of an unpopular chief minister.
But the Centre failed to build on them. One hopes that the prime minister’s visit will go a long way in rebuilding trust.
Restoring the political process is the only way to lead Manipur back to normalcy. It will send a message to the people of Manpur that the nation is responding to its crisis
