The day’s “Tribal Solidarity March,” which was organized to oppose the dominant Meitei community’s quest for Scheduled Tribe designation, led to conflicts between the Meiteis, who reside in the valley, and the tribal Kukis, who live in the hills.
In the BJP-ruled state, the fighting has resulted in thousands of people being displaced and more than 200 deaths. Neither the federal government nor the state governments have been able to bring peace and normalcy back to the warring communities or settle their disagreements.
Source: Deccan Herald
The BJP has steadfastly stuck with Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the face of constant calls for his ouster due to accusations of misgovernance and incompetence.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that everyone of India supported Manipur in his speech on Independence Day of last year and that the federal and state governments were working tirelessly to resolve the complex problem.
In addition, he had asserted that things were getting better in the state plagued by violence. The opposition parties have criticized the PM for not visiting the state since unrest started, claiming he has abandoned the Manipur people.This northeastern state has been reduced to a mere footnote during campaigning because it is not politically significant in the grand scheme of things nationally, sending just two MPs to the Lok Sabha.
Source: The Tribune
Nevertheless, it is admirable that the Manipuris’ terrifying experience hasn’t caused them to lose hope in democracy. During the reelection on April 30, a strong turnout of 81% was observed at six polling places in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency.
Voters have been threatened and EVMs have been damaged, but miscreants have not been able to stop voting. The people of the state are resilient, and that should inspire the authorities to mend their wounds.For the benefit of peace and stability in the troubled border state, things have been allowed to stray for far too long. It is time to make apologies.
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