Former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice Siddharth Mridul, spoke about hidden forces causing violence in Manipur. At a panel discussion, he said, “Whenever the situation appears to return to normalcy, someone injects a fresh dose of violence.” His remarks point to deliberate attempts to disturb peace in the region. These comments have started conversations about the reasons behind the ongoing unrest.
Former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Siddharth Mridul, expressed concerns on December 24, 2024, regarding the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, suggesting the presence of an “invisible hand” instigating the unrest.
He noted that every time the situation seems to stabilize, a new wave of violence emerges.
He stated,
“Whose hand it is not clear to me yet. There could be a number of factors at play,”
Despite having 60,000 security personnel deployed, he emphasized that the government has struggled to restore law and order, asserting,
“If we wait for conflict fatigue to settle in, there will be nothing left to protect.”
Justice Mridul made these remarks during a panel discussion titled ‘Understanding the Barriers of Northeast India and Manipur Violence: The Way Forward,’ organized by TMP Manipur, Meitei Alliance, and the Manipur International Youth Centre.
The region has been mired in ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023, resulting in over 250 fatalities and displacing more than 60,000 individuals.
Highlighting the economic challenges, Mridul noted,
“Every time I flew back to Imphal from Delhi, I used to carry vegetables with me. Besides the jobs with the government and the universities, there is no employment in the valley.”
He pointed out the severe inflation and lack of demand, stating,
“The only way to reach the valley is to be airdropped, with only a handful of flights operating from Delhi to Imphal.”
He called for measures to ensure the safety of internally displaced persons, urging that they be allowed to return home.
He asked,
“I have visited relief camps; the constant refrain I hear is that we want to go back home. Is that too much to ask the powers that be, that every individual residing in these relief camps be returned to their homes and be accorded protection not only for their lives but also for their property and livelihood?”
Arambam Noni, an Associate Professor at DM University in Imphal, remarked that institutions are losing legitimacy amid changing perceptions, while another speaker pointed out the dire economic situation.
He warned,
“Manipur’s economy has taken a backseat and it may take up to 30 years to reach pre-May 2023 levels,”
He noted that many public schools have been turned into relief centers, and youth have resorted to arms for protection. The ongoing closure of National Highways has severely affected transport and communication, leading to skyrocketing prices.
He explained,
“Inflation is at 100%. The poor are most affected. With highways shut, everyone in the valley is dependent on airports for travel, resulting in a 400% hike in airfare for flights to Manipur,”
He also mentioned that the conflict seems to be exploited politically by certain groups, keeping tensions alive.
The violence in Manipur has intensified into a severe humanitarian crisis, driven by ethnic tensions and deep-rooted grievances. Conflicts between communities, particularly the Meiteis and Kukis, have resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of lives. Houses, villages, and livelihoods have been devastated, leaving thousands in relief camps. The state is also witnessing a collapse of law and order, with armed groups taking advantage of the chaos. Restoring peace remains a daunting task, as trust between communities has eroded significantly. Immediate intervention, inclusive dialogue, and reconciliation efforts are essential to end the violence and mend Manipur’s fractured social harmony.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
