It is a matter of concern that Manipur has been embroiled in unrest and violence for more than a year. The latest escalation of violence where farmers working in paddy fields being targeted by snipers on hilltops is shocking. The killing of two women where one was gunned down and the other burnt alive, prove the sheer brazenness of militants. Protection of the life and property of citizens is supposed to be the primary responsibility of democratic governments but those in charge of Manipur have none of it. Worse, the response from the State and Central Government has been weak leaving the inhabitants to fend for themselves. The ‘double-engine’ government has miserably failed to restore peace and public order. Nevertheless, Manipur CM N Biren Singh continues to be in the saddle, with the BJP high command stubbornly supporting him. Unfortunately, PM Narendra Modi has been making his voice heard on global platforms on India’s willingness to negotiate peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war while ignoring the plight of Manipuris. He is still to visit the strife-torn state.
