Imphal, June 03: The ongoing crisis in Manipur has become a matter of great concern for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as Union Home Minister Amit Shah made an unprecedented four-day visit to the troubled state. This visit signals the Centre’s recognition of the gravity of the situation and its commitment to addressing the issues plaguing Manipur.
Unlike the typical fleeting visits by politicians to remote areas, Shah’s extended stay in Manipur demonstrates a significant level of engagement and investment in the state’s affairs. It is not only the longest duration he has spent in a troubled state as the home minister, but also a departure from the norm for any home minister in history.
This move by the Centre underscores the recognition that the crisis in Manipur cannot be overlooked or neglected. It also signifies the government’s willingness to allocate considerable time and political capital to address the challenges faced by the state.
Shah’s prolonged visit to Manipur would have provided him with a firsthand understanding of the complexities of the state beyond its electoral dynamics.
Over the past five decades, since the reorganization of the region and the formation of new states in the 1970s, a pattern has emerged wherein the ruling party at the Centre tends to assert its influence by co-opting or subverting local power elites to establish its own government or install loyalists.
This practice has been followed by various political parties, including the Congress and the Janata Party. Therefore, the BJP’s approach in Manipur is not entirely unprecedented. However, the BJP has demonstrated a preference for expanding its influence on a larger scale compared to its predecessors.
The BJP’s growing influence in the northeast is a source of pride for the party and its smaller allies in the region. Such dominance was rare, even during the Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi eras. The political landscape of the northeast has witnessed a dramatic transformation, with the BJP’s unprecedented sway over the region.
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However, this newfound influence has brought its own set of challenges. Shah would have observed this during his visit, especially if he perused the local newspapers while in Imphal.
The day after he departed, on June 2nd, one newspaper carried a government advertisement on its front page, praising Shah’s visit and the peacekeeping initiatives undertaken. It also listed condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the steps taken to restore normalcy during Shah’s visit from May 29th to June 1st.
Yet, beyond the front page, the same newspaper published an editorial that presented a different perspective. The editorial courageously stated, “Nearly one month down the line and there is nothing to suggest that Manipur is on the road to recovery.” It highlighted the continued presence of armed gunmen who inspect private vehicles on the Imphal-Dimapur highway in search of perceived enemies (Meiteis).
The editorial did not take a partisan stance along ethnic lines but rather expressed a desperate plea for resolution. It noted the targeting of Meiteis and their displacement from tribal districts, as well as the violent expulsion of Kukis from the Imphal Valley. The editorial emphasized the tragic reality that neither side has shown a willingness to soften their stance, despite these distressing developments.
The situation in Manipur presents a significant internal security challenge for the BJP. It requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond political maneuvering to address the underlying issues causing unrest in the state. The extended visit by Amit Shah indicates a willingness to confront these challenges head-on and find sustainable solutions for the betterment of Manipur and its people.
