Need for a regional party in Manipur

Haorungbam Boycha (Ashirjit) Luwang
The recent ethnic conflict in Manipur, particularly between Meitei and Kuki communities, has exposed the deep-rooted failures of national political parties in addressing local issues. With hundreds killed and thousands displaced, the crisis has revealed not just a humanitarian tragedy but a political vacuum. In the face of such turmoil, the elected representatives of the state seemed paralyzed— waiting for instructions from their party high commands in Delhi rather than responding decisively to the ground realities. This has ignited a strong and growing sentiment across Manipur for the creation of a powerful regional party that can represent the people’s interests with clarity, commitment, and courage.
National parties, by their very nature, tend to prioritize national agendas over local concerns. Their policies and political strategies are crafted with an eye on broader national narratives, often ignoring or downplaying the unique cultural, ethnic, and political contexts of states like Manipur. As a result, local needs and interests are frequently overlooked or mishandled. More often than not, the larger interests of the country and local issues do not complement each other and are incompatible, if not outright contradictory. During times of crisis, such as the recent violence, this incompatibility results in dangerous decision paralysis. Had there been a strong regional party—one that understood the local context intimately—Manipur might have witnessed a more timely and effective response. A regional party would have been better positioned to prioritize conflict management and resolution, maintain stability, and protect the interests of all communities in the state.
A regional party rooted in Manipur’s soil could provide tailored solutions to the state’s complex problems, rather than relying on the one-size-fits-all approach often adopted by national parties. A regional party would be more sensitive to the preservation of local culture and identity, and more accountable to the people it serves.
Unlike national parties, which often function under centralized commands and opaque decision-making, a regional party would have to answer directly to its constituents. This direct line of accountability could foster greater transparency, responsiveness, and ultimately, trust in the political process. In the aftermath of the violent crisis that erupted on May 3, 2023 which is not fully resolved yet, a large section of the people now acutely feel the necessity of a responsible, vibrant and far-sighted regional political party, and the youth have realized the policy incompatibility vis-à-vis India’s larger interests and the local interest. In the face of the disappointing subservient attitude shown by local leaders of national political leaders which was starkly visible since the day 1 of the violent crisis till the imposition of the President’s Rule, people started looking for an alternative to the highly centralized national political parties and the alternative has now started taking shape in the form of a regional party.
Across the state, young people are holding meetings, brainstorming ideas, and discussing how to create a political platform that can bring real change. Their enthusiasm is a promising sign of political awakening. However, so far, they have struggled to capitalize on the momentum and convert it into a tangible political reality. The challenges are significant—bringing together likeminded individuals from different communities with diverse perspectives requires patience, coordination, and strong leadership. Without a clear structure and unified direction, there is a risk that their energy may dissipate before achieving any meaningful impact.
Another concern is that Manipur could experience a proliferation of regional parties, similar to the mushrooming of civil society organizations in the past. While a diversity of voices can enrich democratic dialogue, too many fragmented efforts could result in conflicting interests, diluted political influence, and weakened capacity for unified action. A fragmented political landscape could also complicate governance, leading to instability and further divisions in an already sensitive environment. On the other hand, if managed wisely under an over-arching common vision, a range of regional voices could also bring fresh ideas and more inclusive representation. The challenge lies in balancing diversity with cohesion and collaboration.
What Manipur truly lacks at the moment is principled leadership—leaders who are courageous, consistent, and committed to the state’s welfare. Too often, politicians in the state switch parties for personal gain, aligning themselves with whichever party that holds power at the Centre. This opportunism erodes public confidence and reduces politics to a game of self-interest. The people of Manipur yearn for leaders who stand firm in their values, act decisively during crises, and serve with integrity. Unfortunately, such defining attributes of a strong leadership are either absent or not visible among the current political class.
The call for a strong regional party in Manipur is not merely about political ambition—it is about reclaiming agency and restoring dignity. It is about ensuring that Manipur’s future is decided by its own people, not dictated by distant power centers. The youth-led initiatives, despite their current limitations, offer a glimmer of hope. With the right vision, leadership, and unity, they can definitely evolve into a political force capable of transforming Manipur’s political landscape.
Manipur does not need more fragmented political outfits; it needs a bold, unified, and locally grounded party that can represent its people, protect its identity, and push for progress with sincerity and resolve. The time to build that future is now. In fact, it is now or never!
The writer is political activist