Manipur continues to witness bomb blasts, firing and arson of houses, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not uttered a word on the prevailing ethnic violence engulfing the state. The ethnic violence has entered Day 52 since May 3, rendering nearly 50,000 people homeless while over 100 lives have been lost and valuable properties have been damaged. In addition to that, several places of worship and villages have been burnt. But the Prime Minister chose to remain silent.
Now, the question is don't our lives matter? Manipur deserves equal due attention as the other 27 seven states and seven Union Territories. The people of Manipur are living in a state of fear, panic, helplessness and frustration. They could only pray and hope for peace and return of normalcy. It is pertinent to note that it is not just the warring two communities - the Meiteis and Kukis - but the whole of Manipur, that is suffering due to the ongoing unrest. The ongoing violence has led to the imposition of curfews, highway blockades and internet ban, to name a few.
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While indefinite curfew remained enforced in violence-hit districts following the series of communal clashes since May 3, suspension in Internet/data services has been extended till 3 pm of June 25, causing untold inconveniences for the people of the state.
Needless to say, going digital in Digital India is no longer an option but rather a necessity. However, with no internet connectivity for nearly two months, people in Manipur are being denied basic rights. People are unable to access internet banking, business transactions, do power, mobile or tv recharge, check exam results or apply for exams, admission, interviews and jobs. The students' community, who are considered the future of the nation, are stuck in the ongoing turmoil, with their future at stake.
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It may be mentioned that the state government has deferred the resumption of normal classes for all schools in violence-hit state at least till 1 July because the situation is "not under control".
Now, coming back to the silence of PM Modi over the chaos and bloodshed in Manipur, are we going to live like “abandoned children” and for how long? The Prime Minister does not seem genuinely interested in resolving the prevailing unrest in Manipur, as he chose to remain silent even after so many lives have been lost, hundreds injured, and thousands rendered homeless.
It would not be wrong to say, the Prime Minister's immediate intervention is much needed to overcome the trust deficit among the people of Manipur. It is high time for PM Modi to break his silence and find a solution and bring justice. Central government intervention is now the only hope to find a solution to the present Manipur crisis. PM Modi may be silent but Manipur is still burning! And yes, our Lives Matter too!
(The views expressed are personal)
