MANIPUR has been burning for the last three years, with violence affecting various corners of the state. The Centre and the State governments have tried, in their own ways, to stop the ethnic conflict, yet the fire continues to burn. This raises a difficult question: Who is to blame?
Both communities blame one another. Politicians from different communities accuse each other. The public, too, blames the other side. The blame game continues endlessly, but blame alone will never solve the crisis of Manipur. No one from outside the state can come and solve our internal problems for us. The solution ultimately lies in the hands of our leaders and the people of Manipur themselves. The biggest challenge, however, is that the public has lost trust in its leaders, especially politicians.
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Looking back, one of the major reasons the government failed to resolve the crisis was that the state machinery itself became divided along ethnic lines. In the initial stage, the government and its machinery were unwilling to address the conflict effectively, and many believed the issue could be resolved within a few days. Unfortunately, three years later, the conflict continues, and all communities have suffered.
According to Christian belief, human beings are created in His own image. No one in this world can completely annihilate a community. History teaches us this lesson. Even Hitler, with all his might and power, tried to annihilate the Jews, but in the end, the Jewish people emerged more united and
resilient. Violence and hatred can never bring a lasting solution. If we truly want to extinguish the fire in Manipur, we must act together and take collective responsibility.
Leaders Must Introspect: The first responsibility lies with leaders. The people of Manipur have lived together for generations. Conflicts and differences are natural in any society, but past leaders played an important role in preventing those differences from growing into destructive divisions. They helped people live and work together in peace.
Today, leaders must introspect. Political mistakes must be acknowledged, and those responsible must have the courage to admit their failures and seek forgiveness from innocent people. Admitting mistakes is not a weakness; it is the first step toward healing and restoring peace. Leaders must take responsibility and surrender your ego to stop burning Manipur.
Media Must Become Peacemakers: The second responsibility lies with the media. Media houses, especially those with significant public influence, must stop providing platforms to voices that promote enmity between communities. Manipur is already burning—why pour oil on the fire and make the situation worse?
The duty of the media is to inform citizens accurately, hold power accountable, and provide a balanced platform for public discourse. It is often called the “fourth pillar of democracy.” At a time like this, the media must play the role of a peacebuilder, not an instigator. Media houses must reflect on their role and avoid provoking public emotions. They have a moral responsibility to become peacemakers. As the Bible says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The media should help heal Manipur, not deepen divisions.
Youth and Women Must Rise Above Emotional Politics: The third responsibility lies with educated youth and women, who are often considered the pillars of the home and society. Over the past three years, many have been swept away by emotional politics and divisive narratives. Instead of standing for truth, peace, and unity, some have become instruments in the hands of selfish and divisive leaders. Tragically, it is often the youth and ordinary people who suffer the most, losing lives, opportunities, and their future.
It is time for youth and women not to be carried away blindly by emotions or political manipulation. They must rise above division, reflect on mistakes, and become part of the movement to restore peace in Manipur.
The Government of India Must Act with the People: The Government of India, too, cannot remain a distant observer while the state continues to burn. It must work closely with the people of Manipur to find a genuine and lasting solution. Every problem has a solution, but it requires honesty, courage, and collective effort. Leaders, media houses, youth, women, security forces, and the Government of India must work together sincerely to stop the violence and restore peace.
If we fail to repent for our mistakes, learn from our failures, and work together, the consequences will be devastating for everyone. Manipur cannot afford to keep burning. The time has come for reflection, repentance, reconciliation, and collective action. Manipur does not need more blame.
Manipur Needs Peace.
(The author is Pastor, The Journey Church, New Delhi. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ukhrul Times. Ukhrul Times values and encourages diverse perspectives. The author can be reached at letlal.haokip@gmail.com)