Manipur First : A call for decisive governance and inclusive peace
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Desh Raj Yumnam
Manipur today stands at a difficult moment in its history. Months of tension, violence, and uncertainty have shaken public confidence and disturbed the everyday life of ordinary citizens. Families have been displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and fear has replaced the sense of normalcy people once knew. At such a time, the people of Manipur expect not silence or delay, but firm, fair, and decisive governance. The crisis we face is not merely a conflict between communities. It is a challenge to governance, law and order, and the authority of the State. When citizens feel that protection is uneven or justice is selective, faith in institutions begins to weaken. This is a dangerous situation for any democracy. Peace cannot survive where the rule of law appears inconsistent, and security cannot be restored without public trust.
It must also be acknowledged that the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken several steps to address the situation in Manipur. The deployment of Central forces, continuous monitoring, coordination with the State administration, and repeated appeals for peace reflect the Centre’s concern for stability and internal security. These efforts should not be overlooked, and the people of Manipur must not lose faith in the Constitutional role of the Union Government during this critical period. At the same time, the situation on the ground shows that more decisive and sustained action is required.
Temporary control measures may prevent immediate escalation, but lasting peace demands consistency, neutrality, and clear accountability. Unlawful elements, irrespective of community or location, must be dealt with firmly and impartially. The common citizen seeks assurance that the Constitution protects everyone equally.
Manipur has always been a land of diversity, coexistence, and shared history. The valley and the hills are not strangers; they are connected by geography, economy, and generations of social ties. Any approach that values the suffering of one group over another will only deepen mistrust.
Inclusive peace means acknowledging all pain, listening to all voices, and ensuring that no citizen feels forgotten by the State. At this juncture, decisive governance is the need of the hour. Decisiveness does not mean force alone; it means clarity of policy, fair enforcement of law, and visible leadership.
Strong coordination between the State administration, Central agencies, and security forces is essential. Clear communication with the public is equally important, as uncertainty often fuels fear and misinformation.
Beyond restoring law and order, there must be sincere efforts toward healing and reconciliation. Relief, rehabilitation, and dialogue cannot be delayed indefinitely. The youth of Manipur are watching closely. What they witness today will shape their trust in democracy tomorrow. If they see fairness, courage, and consistency in governance, confidence will return. If not, frustration may take deeper roots.“Manipur First” should not remain a slogan; it must guide action. Putting Manipur first means placing the safety, dignity, and future of its people above all political or administrative convenience. It means acting in time, acting fairly, and acting with moral clarity.
This is a respectful appeal to all Constitutional authorities entrusted with responsibility: the people of Manipur are looking for leadership that is firm yet compassionate, strong yet just. With decisive governance, continued engagement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and a sincere commitment to inclusive peace, Manipur can move from crisis toward stability and renewal.
The writer is a political activist
Manipur today stands at a difficult moment in its history. Months of tension, violence, and uncertainty have shaken public confidence and disturbed the everyday life of ordinary citizens. Families have been displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and fear has replaced the sense of normalcy people once knew. At such a time, the people of Manipur expect not silence or delay, but firm, fair, and decisive governance. The crisis we face is not merely a conflict between communities. It is a challenge to governance, law and order, and the authority of the State. When citizens feel that protection is uneven or justice is selective, faith in institutions begins to weaken. This is a dangerous situation for any democracy. Peace cannot survive where the rule of law appears inconsistent, and security cannot be restored without public trust.
It must also be acknowledged that the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken several steps to address the situation in Manipur. The deployment of Central forces, continuous monitoring, coordination with the State administration, and repeated appeals for peace reflect the Centre’s concern for stability and internal security. These efforts should not be overlooked, and the people of Manipur must not lose faith in the Constitutional role of the Union Government during this critical period. At the same time, the situation on the ground shows that more decisive and sustained action is required.
Temporary control measures may prevent immediate escalation, but lasting peace demands consistency, neutrality, and clear accountability. Unlawful elements, irrespective of community or location, must be dealt with firmly and impartially. The common citizen seeks assurance that the Constitution protects everyone equally.
Manipur has always been a land of diversity, coexistence, and shared history. The valley and the hills are not strangers; they are connected by geography, economy, and generations of social ties. Any approach that values the suffering of one group over another will only deepen mistrust.
Inclusive peace means acknowledging all pain, listening to all voices, and ensuring that no citizen feels forgotten by the State. At this juncture, decisive governance is the need of the hour. Decisiveness does not mean force alone; it means clarity of policy, fair enforcement of law, and visible leadership.
Strong coordination between the State administration, Central agencies, and security forces is essential. Clear communication with the public is equally important, as uncertainty often fuels fear and misinformation.
Beyond restoring law and order, there must be sincere efforts toward healing and reconciliation. Relief, rehabilitation, and dialogue cannot be delayed indefinitely. The youth of Manipur are watching closely. What they witness today will shape their trust in democracy tomorrow. If they see fairness, courage, and consistency in governance, confidence will return. If not, frustration may take deeper roots.“Manipur First” should not remain a slogan; it must guide action. Putting Manipur first means placing the safety, dignity, and future of its people above all political or administrative convenience. It means acting in time, acting fairly, and acting with moral clarity.
This is a respectful appeal to all Constitutional authorities entrusted with responsibility: the people of Manipur are looking for leadership that is firm yet compassionate, strong yet just. With decisive governance, continued engagement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and a sincere commitment to inclusive peace, Manipur can move from crisis toward stability and renewal.
The writer is a political activist