Kui Hangsing
In May 2023, a devastating ethnic conflict broke out in Manipur, one of India's northeastern states, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and trauma. Two years later, the region remains tense, with frequent clashes and a fractured society. Despite the scale and duration of the crisis, the Indian government’s response has been widely criticized as inadequate, delayed, and indifferent. This raises a pressing question: Why is the Indian government seemingly unconcerned about the crisis unfolding in its own state?
A Crisis Ignored
The conflict in Manipur began as a clash between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities over issues of land, identity, and political power. Since then, more than 250 people have been killed, over 60,000 displaced, and entire communities have been torn apart. Yet, for months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained silent. His first public statement came only in July 2023—after a harrowing video of sexual violence went viral—despite the violence erupting in May.
Even after acknowledging the crisis, Modi did not visit the state, a decision seen by many as symbolic of the government’s detachment. Home Minister Amit Shah eventually visited Manipur, but critics argue that his presence did little to resolve the structural and humanitarian issues at hand.
Disparity in National Attention
Compare this with the swift response and media focus that follow incidents in Kashmir, or even cross-border tensions with Pakistan. Attacks in those areas often trigger immediate statements from the Prime Minister, emergency security meetings, and wall-to-wall news coverage. In stark contrast, Manipur—a state within the sovereign borders of India—has been met with silence, censorship, and neglect.
This disparity suggests a deeply rooted bias in how India views its northeastern states. These regions are often treated as peripheral, both geographically and politically. Their voices are underrepresented in mainstream media, and their crises do not mobilize the same national urgency as those in the Hindi heartland.
Political Calculations and Media Apathy
One reason for the central government’s muted response could be political. Manipur is governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and acknowledging the crisis might reflect poorly on its administration. Furthermore, the BJP has historically lacked a strong voter base in the Northeast compared to other regions, which may influence its level of engagement.
Media coverage has also played a role in shaping public perception. For weeks, major national news outlets either downplayed the violence or focused on official narratives, rarely giving voice to those on the ground. In-depth, independent journalism was largely absent, and social media became the only platform where the true extent of the tragedy surfaced.
The Human Cost of Indifference
For the people of Manipur, the government’s indifference has not just been symbolic—it has had real, devastating consequences. Relief efforts have been slow, justice for victims is lacking, and reconciliation remains a distant goal. The continuing tension has left an entire generation growing up amidst fear and trauma.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s lack of concern over Manipur’s ongoing conflict reveals a troubling truth about the nation’s internal hierarchy of attention. When a part of the country burns and its people cry for help, the silence from the top speaks volumes. For a democracy that prides itself on unity in diversity, ignoring the pain of its own citizens threatens the very fabric of that promise.
It’s time for both the government and the country to look beyond the mainstream and confront the realities of its forgotten states.
