NEW DELHI: The crisis in India’s northeastern state of Manipur continues to escalate, highlighting the intensifying ethnic and sectarian tensions under the Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.
Minorities are increasingly struggling for their fundamental rights and survival as India faces intense ethnic, linguistic, and religious tensions. The extremist and biased policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government are posing a serious threat to the people of their own country.
The Imphal Valley, a central region of Manipur, has been placed under a renewed curfew, with Indian troops surrounding the area in an attempt to control the worsening security situation. Despite stringent measures and a heavy security presence, the situation remains dire.
Separatist groups have ramped up their attacks, launching rocket strikes on the Bishnupur district. These attacks have damaged a community hall and several residential homes, exacerbating the already volatile situation.
The violence in Manipur has seen a troubling escalation in extremism. In the past week, armed members of the Kuki community have used long-range rockets and drones in their attacks. Earlier, five homes in a nearby village were set ablaze.
The response from the state police and Indian armed forces has involved extensive combing operations across the state. However, these efforts have often led to increased extremism rather than reducing it.
The large-scale search operations have displaced many residents, forcing them to live as refugees within their own country amid the chaos.
The Modi administration’s handling of the Manipur crisis has been widely criticized for failing to contain the violence and address the underlying causes of the unrest. Critics argue that the BJP-led government’s policies and approach have only served to worsen the situation, with armed groups increasingly targeting state machinery.
International observers have expressed growing concern over the deteriorating situation in Manipur. The violence has drawn attention from global human rights organizations, which have called for a more effective and compassionate response from the Indian government.
Local leaders and humanitarian groups have urged the central government to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and stability in Manipur.
