As Manipur continues to reel from over two years of ethnic unrest, a senior Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has made a heartfelt appeal for peace, unity, and reconciliation, urging citizens to reject hatred and work together to rebuild the fractured state. The call comes at a critical juncture, with the state under President’s Rule and efforts underway to restore a popular government.
📌 Background: A State in Prolonged Crisis
The violence in Manipur began in May 2023, following a Manipur High Court directive recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community. The move was strongly opposed by the tribal Kuki-Zo groups, who feared it would dilute their land and job rights. What started as a legal dispute quickly escalated into widespread ethnic violence, resulting in:
- Over 260 deaths
- More than 60,000 people displaced
- Dozens of villages destroyed
- A near-complete breakdown of trust between Meitei and Kuki communities
In February 2025, the central government imposed President’s Rule after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The Manipur Legislative Assembly remains in suspended animation, although its term extends until 2027.
🗣️ MLA’s Message: “We Must Rise Above Hatred”
At a recent community outreach event in Imphal, the unnamed MLA—believed to be among the 23 BJP legislators who signed a joint peace resolution—emphasized the urgent need for grassroots reconciliation.
“We must rise above hatred. The pain is real, the wounds are deep, but hatred will only deepen the divide. It is time to rebuild trust, not walls,” the MLA said.
He called on both Meitei and Kuki leaders to engage in dialogue, stressing that elected representatives carry the moral responsibility to lead peace efforts.
🔁Key Peace Initiatives by Manipur Legislators
| Date | Initiative/Event | Stakeholders Involved | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 2025 | BJP MLAs joint resolution for peace | 23 BJP legislators | Commitment to unity and reconciliation |
| June 2025 | Appeal by World Meetei Council (WMC) | Meitei & Kuki MLAs | Urge for bipartisan peace leadership |
| June 2025 | MLA outreach in Imphal | Local communities, civil bodies | Promote communal harmony |
🧠 Civil Society’s Role: WMC’s Bipartisan Appeal
The World Meetei Council (WMC), a prominent civil society group, has also called on Meitei and Kuki legislators to rise above political divisions and take ownership of the peace process.
“Despite several efforts, the Centre has not been able to bring about the desired resolution. The most crucial role now lies with our MLAs,” the WMC stated.
The Council emphasized that even a single, sincere initiative by local leaders could pave the way for healing.
🏛️ Political Developments: Push for Popular Government
Efforts are underway to restore a popular and stable government in Manipur. BJP MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha recently confirmed that the central leadership is engaging with civil society and party members to create a conducive environment for governance.
| Political Status | Details |
|---|---|
| President’s Rule Imposed | February 13, 2025 |
| Assembly Status | Suspended animation (term till 2027) |
| Government Formation | Ongoing discussions with BJP leadership |
| Key Stakeholders | BJP MLAs, Central Govt, Civil Bodies |
🧩 Challenges to Peace
Despite the appeals, several challenges remain:
- Ethnic mistrust: Deep-rooted grievances over land rights, political representation, and identity continue to fuel tensions.
- Displacement: Thousands remain in relief camps, with limited access to rehabilitation.
- Security vacuum: Sporadic violence and unofficial buffer zones have created law enforcement challenges.
🕊️ The Way Forward: Dialogue, Empathy, and Leadership
The MLA’s message underscores a growing realization among Manipur’s political class that peace cannot be imposed—it must be built through empathy, dialogue, and inclusive governance.
“We cannot wait for Delhi to fix Manipur. We must fix it ourselves—together,” the MLA concluded.
