NEW DELHI: Over 110 former civil servants have called on the Central government of India to impose President’s rule in Manipur, citing the escalating situation in the state as a dangerous, internecine ethnic conflict. The former bureaucrats expressed concern that the Manipur conflict poses a threat to the social fabric of the state.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes between the Kuki and the majority Meitei communities since May 3, resulting in at least 187 deaths and nearly 60,000 people displaced from their homes. Opposition parties have held the BJP governments in Manipur and at the Centre responsible for failing to contain the violence. Their criticism was further amplified after a video showing two Kuki women being paraded naked went viral on social media on July 19.
Manipur Govt Fails to Protect Lives of Citizens
The former bureaucrats also criticized the N Biren Singh-led state government and the police for failing to protect the lives and property of citizens, leading to a complete breakdown of law and order. They raised concerns over the internet ban in the state, which has prevented the true horror and scale of the violence from coming to light while also facilitating the spread of fake news and rumors.
Additionally, the former civil servants accused Singh of giving patronage to shadowy violent Meitei groups allegedly involved in several incidents of violence in the state since May. They criticized the chief minister’s approach, which they believe tends to smear the entire Kuki community and incite the passions of the majority Meitei community.
The group of former bureaucrats called upon the Central government to involve the Opposition in finding a political solution to the problem, emphasizing the importance of mature responses over issues of prestige and political expediency. They urged the government to provide relief, rehabilitation measures, and compensation to those adversely affected in a nonpartisan manner.
The Manipur crisis remains a significant concern, with the civil servants emphasizing that if India loses in handling the situation, no one wins. The call for President’s rule in the state reflects growing alarm over the escalating violence and calls for swift and decisive action from the government.
