Manipur: Amit Shah Reviews Situation, Conrad Sangma's NPP Withdraws Support for Biren Singh
The ongoing turmoil in India’s North Eastern state Manipur has reached a critical juncture, prompting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to convene high-level meetings in Delhi on Sunday. The government was criticised heavily for the ongoing ethnic conflict in a state where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is in power. The immediate trigger for the unrest was the recovery of six bodies in Jiribam district, believed to belong to individuals abducted during clashes between Kuki insurgents and Manipur police.
The discovery has reignited ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have simmered for over 18 months. Protests erupted in Imphal, with mobs targeting the homes of ministers, including Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Demonstrators blocked roads, set tyres ablaze, and defied curfews. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of the state capital and suspended internet services to contain the unrest.
A government notice cited concerns over social media being used to incite violence through hate speech and inflammatory images. This follows last year’s prolonged internet shutdown during clashes that displaced around 60,000 people.
Political Fallout
In a significant political development, the National People’s Party (NPP), led by Conrad Sangma, withdrew its support for the BJP-led coalition government in Manipur. In a letter to BJP president JP Nadda, Sangma criticised the Biren Singh administration for failing to restore normalcy. “The Manipur State Government under Shri Biren Singh has completely failed to resolve the crisis,” Sangma wrote, announcing the party’s immediate withdrawal.
This marks the second such exit from the coalition, following the Kuki People’s Alliance’s departure last year. However, the BJP’s stronghold in the 60-member assembly remains intact, with 46 members, including allies.
Long-standing Ethnic Divide
Manipur remains deeply divided along ethnic lines, with the Meitei community dominating the Imphal Valley, while the Kuki and other tribal groups reside in the surrounding hill districts. These enclaves are separated by a volatile stretch of no-man’s land under heavy federal security. Meiteis account for 53% of the population, while tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, constitute slightly over 40%.
Tensions escalated in May 2023 over the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, triggering violent clashes that have claimed over 250 lives. The Union government recently reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in violence-prone areas, including Jiribam, to stabilise the situation.
Security and Relief Measures
In response to the latest violence, Amit Shah reviewed security arrangements with senior officials and announced another meeting for Monday. The Centre attributed the unrest to “armed miscreants” from both communities and assured strict action against perpetrators.
Last week, 11 Kuki militants were killed in Jiribam during a clash with security forces, further intensifying hostilities. Meanwhile, thousands remain displaced in relief camps, unable to return home due to the continuing conflict.
Voices of Concern
The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre and the Manipur government of failing to safeguard lives and restore peace. Local leaders have condemned acts of violence targeting women, children, and opposition figures, calling for accountability and justice.
“The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution. I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Protests in the hill regions, led by Kuki-Zo groups, continue to demand the return of the deceased’s bodies, while demonstrations have also spread to Assam’s Silchar.
As Manipur grapples with a deepening humanitarian crisis, all eyes are on the Centre and the state government to address the grievances of both communities and restore lasting peace.
