New Delhi, Dec 23: Amid ongoing ethnic violence and humanitarian crisis in Manipur since May 2023, a coalition of civil society groups and the Manipur diaspora held a peaceful demonstration in New Delhi today, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and restore peace in the conflict-ridden state.
Manipur, once a sovereign kingdom until its annexation into India in 1949, has historically been a mosaic of ethnic diversity. However, post-independence tensions and armed conflicts have fractured this harmony. The situation escalated on May 3, 2023, triggering violence, displacement, and widespread suffering. Organizers of the demonstration accused the central government of silence and inaction, which they claim has exacerbated the crisis.
Under the banner “Peace and Mutual Coexistence,” demonstrators called on the Prime Minister to address the ethnic divisions and initiate a peace process. “For 19 months, Manipur has been burning, and the silence from the highest office has been deafening,” said one of the protest leaders.
The crisis has displaced thousands, disrupted lives, and eroded trust among communities. Protesters emphasized the need for the immediate resettlement of internally displaced persons and the establishment of dialogue to rebuild harmony. They also highlighted the geopolitical importance of Manipur, urging the central government to protect its territorial and ethnic integrity.
Criticism of the Prime Minister’s silence extended to his international advocacy for peace in global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, which protesters found ironic given his inaction on domestic strife.
The demonstrators appealed to the Prime Minister to visit Manipur personally, engage with affected communities, and demonstrate leadership by initiating a roadmap for lasting peace and unity. Their plea underscored the urgency of decisive action to heal the wounds of a fractured state.
