Fresh violence erupted in Manipur, with a woman shot dead by suspected militants in Bishnupur and another set on fire in Jiribam. The incidents have further fueled tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the state.
In a significant development, Meitei, Kuki, and Naga MLAs from Manipur are set to meet in New Delhi on Tuesday, with the Home Ministry facilitating the dialogue. This meeting marks the first time since the eruption of ethnic violence last year that representatives from the warring communities will come together. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between the communities and explore solutions to the ongoing crisis.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly criticized the recent attack on a security convoy in Manipur, which resulted in the death of a CRPF personnel. She urged the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take decisive action to address the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur and appeal for peace amidst the ongoing ethnic violence. Gandhi, who recently visited the state for the third time, expressed concern over the lack of improvement in the situation, highlighting the burning houses, families forced into relief camps, and the division of the state. He emphasized the need for the Prime Minister’s personal intervention to address the grievances of the people and bring an end to the tragedy.
The people of Manipur have overwhelmingly rejected the BJP and its ally, the Naga People’s Front, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This outcome is a significant victory for the Congress, which has regained control of the Inner and Outer Manipur constituencies after losing them to the BJP in 2019.
While international events like the Israeli attack on Rafah garnered widespread attention, Indian social media users are now highlighting the lack of focus on the ongoing violence in Manipur. The ‘But no eyes on Manipur’ trend criticizes the deafening silence of many celebrities and personalities on the conflict in their own country. The ethnic clashes in Manipur have claimed over 200 lives, injured thousands, and displaced countless more. Despite the severity of the situation, it has received far less attention compared to international issues. This has sparked a debate about the selective outrage and double standards in addressing human rights violations.
The US State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices report significant human rights abuses in Manipur following ethnic conflict between Kuki and Meitei groups, leading to displacement and violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident, while the UN urged relief efforts. The report also acknowledges positive developments in freedom of expression and assembly, including a permitted Muharram procession in Srinagar.
