A Political Shift Amidst Turmoil
In the heart of Manipur, a state already grappling with ethnic violence, a significant political shift occurred. The National Peoples Party (NPP), led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, announced its withdrawal of support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government. This decision came as a response to the escalating unrest and the perceived failure of Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s administration to restore peace.
Rising Concerns Over Law and Order
The NPP, which holds seven seats in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, voiced its deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation. In a heartfelt letter to BJP chief JP Nadda, Sangma expressed the party’s anguish over the increasing loss of innocent lives and the immense suffering of the people. “In the last few days, we have seen the situation further deteriorate where many more innocent lives have been lost and people in the state are going through immense suffering,” Sangma wrote.
A Call for Change
Sangma’s letter was a poignant critique of the current administration. He stated that the NPP believed the Manipur government under Biren Singh had “completely failed to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy.” The decision to withdraw support was immediate, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation.
The Human Toll of Violence
The past ten days have been particularly harrowing for Manipur. Since November 7, at least 17 people have lost their lives in the ongoing clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmars. The violence, which began in May 2023, has claimed at least 255 lives and displaced over 59,000 people. The human cost of this conflict is staggering, with families torn apart and communities living in fear.
Specific Incidents of Violence
On November 11, suspected Kuki militants set shops ablaze in the Jakuradhor Karong area of Jiribam district. The aftermath was tragic, with three women and three children, including an infant, going missing. The bodies of a woman and two children were later found floating in the Barak river, and another woman’s body was discovered in Assams Cachar district. These incidents underscore the severe impact of the ongoing violence on innocent civilians.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The political fallout from the NPP’s decision was swift. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of wanting Manipur to burn to serve its divisive politics. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing the state, stating that the residents would not forgive him. “Na Manipur ek hai, na Manipur safe hai [Manipur is not one, and nor is it safe],” Kharge said, alluding to a BJP campaign slogan.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of support by the NPP marks a critical juncture in Manipur’s political landscape. As the state continues to grapple with violence and unrest, the need for effective governance and peace-building measures has never been more urgent.
