The STOP sign seems a million miles away. The dust is yet to settle down. A new day dawns, but another one bites the dust, and yet another. While the flowers that cover the bloodstain traces of those taken are still fresh, the gun smoke continues to cloud the vision and choke those struggling to survive. There is no end to the unrest in Manipur, a multi-ethnic state with an estimated population of 3.79 million. While the recent conflicts in the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong had yet to die down, fresh violence erupted in the valley area at Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district. As violence continues to smother the state, is the government looking to stem the root cause of the continuing violence in the state? Is the state looking for possibilities?
Conflict between communities is not new to the state. The state, with scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity, has survived a long history of violence among the people. Ethnic violence over land and identity has claimed thousands of lives across the state over the years. While the rulers struggle for a solution, the pertinent question is how to rise above hate, violence, and revenge. Can the people belonging to different communities look for possibilities to rise above differences, rage, and bitterness and live in unity? Can we stop attacking each other and coexist peacefully? Can the armed forces, who are meant to prevent fights and protect the people, remain upright?
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Apart from the communities, the alleged involvement of the armed forces in the violence makes the matter worse. The armed forces are perceived as allegedly taking sides or supporting a particular group. Owing to the complex nature of unrest across the state, restoration of peace may seem out of reach for now. However, can the state take a serious look at the other equally concerning issues that have been destroying the state—the unfathomable social ills and lack of sound administration and responsible governance at all levels?
Manipur is also plagued with the problems of uncontrolled corruption, high incidence of drug addiction, substance trafficking, increasing deforestation and environmental degradation, increasing pollution, inadequate healthcare and education facilities in rural areas, poor road and transport infrastructure, and lack of proper drainage and waste management systems.
The unrest is likely to grip the state for years to come owing to the complex nature of the crisis situation in the state, where the seed of hate and violence never falls away. But there is, perhaps, a road not taken yet—effective and responsible governance for peace and growth in the state. The rulers should waste no time in taking serious note of the deprivations of the people. Those in power should start doing everything possible at every level to provide effective governance. The prevailing crisis demands genuine attention and commitment—not a perfunctory, routine approach, which in turn would help the people coexist peacefully. Effective governance, which the people have been long deprived of, could be the turning point for trouble-torn Manipur.