Cycle of violence: On Manipur, the persistence of hostilities
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. The conflict has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced tens of thousands, and created a deep humanitarian crisis. Despite repeated promises of restoration of normalcy by the government, fresh outbreaks continue to occur. The Indian state has constitutional and legal obligations to protect all its citizens, especially in troubled regions. Article 355 of the Constitution mandates the Union to protect every state against internal disturbance. The persistence of violence in Manipur raises questions about governance, deployment of security forces, and political will. The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the situation, directing the government to submit reports on its actions to restore peace. The editorial argues that the cycle of violence must be broken through dialogue, accountability for perpetrators, and genuine political outreach to both communities.
- 1The persistent ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities highlights a critical governance failure, questioning the effectiveness of state machinery and political will. This situation underscores the challenges of managing internal security and ethnic conflicts, a recurring theme in Indian polity that requires robust political dialogue and administrative accountability for restoring normalcy and trust among communities.
- 2The Manipur crisis directly invokes Article 355 of the Constitution, which imposes a duty on the Union to protect states from internal disturbances and ensure governance aligns with constitutional provisions. The failure to quell the violence raises significant constitutional questions about the fulfillment of this duty and the potential application of measures like President's Rule under Article 356.
- 3The Supreme Court's cognizance of the Manipur situation underscores the judiciary's role as a guardian of fundamental rights during governance failures. By demanding reports, the court exercises judicial oversight to ensure state accountability. Holding perpetrators of violence responsible under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences against the human body and public tranquility is essential for breaking the cycle of impunity.
- 4The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing tens of thousands and shattering the region's socio-economic fabric, which has profound long-term consequences. This internal displacement creates challenges for rehabilitation, education, and livelihoods, impacting an entire generation. Such events highlight the devastating social cost of ethnic strife and the government's responsibility to provide relief and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.