IMPHAL: The violence in Manipur state of India has reached its fourth month, leaving the common citizens in a dire situation. On July 29 and 30, 2023, a group of 21 MPs from the INDIA alliance visited the troubled Manipur state to assess the conditions prevailing in the region.
During their visit, the MPs witnessed the heart-wrenching reality of the ongoing conflict. The violence that erupted in early May has not abated, leaving thousands of people living in refugee camps, unable to return to their homes. The trust deficit between the Meiteis and Kukis, two ethnic groups in Manipur, is at an all-time high, exacerbating the situation.
The MPs expressed grave concern for the well-being of Manipur’s schoolchildren, as almost all schools in the state have been closed for the past three months due to the violence. The lack of visible signs of normalcy has left parents apprehensive about sending their children back to school.
Tense Situation in Manipur
During the visit, gunshots were heard as both sides continued to fire at each other, adding to the tense and volatile atmosphere. Despite some heartening stories of Kuki and Meitei students saving each other’s lives during the violence, the communities now live separately in their respective areas.
The MPs conveyed their appeal to Manipur’s governor, Anusuiya Uikey, urging her to convene an all-party delegation to address the crisis urgently. They emphasized the importance of removing fear and anxiety from the minds of the people and restoring peace as the topmost priority.
The opposition parties are keen on fostering peace in Manipur and have denied claims that their visit is intended to fuel further conflict. They believe that the government must take the lead in establishing a narrative of peace and work towards bridging the grievances between the communities.
The situation in Manipur demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from the government and all stakeholders. The lack of visible progress in restoring normalcy has raised concerns about the failure of the government machinery to address the crisis effectively.
With lives at stake and the future of Manipur’s children in jeopardy, there is an urgent need for all parties to come together and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The immediate focus must be on restoring calm, fostering dialogue, and taking concrete steps towards lasting peace in the region.
