PM Modi’ Visit to Manipur: A Path to Peace or a Political Gesture

Whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be able to show a path to peace in Manipur is a complex question with no simple answer. His recent visit to the state—the first since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023—was seen as a significant step, but its effectiveness remains to be seen. The Prime Minister’s approach seems to be a combination of a symbolic outreach and a strategic intervention focused on development.

Modi’s Approach to Peace

The Prime Minister’s visit included stops in both the Kuki-dominated area of Churachandpur and the Meitei-dominated capital of Imphal. This dual engagement is widely seen as a deliberate gesture of neutrality, signaling that the central government is concerned about the crisis without taking sides. During his visit, Modi unveiled and laid foundation stones for development projects worth a substantial sum. These projects, ranging from infrastructure like roads and highways to social initiatives such as women’s hostels and IT development, are aimed at fostering long-term stability and economic growth.

The government’s plan appears to be built on the belief that economic development and improved infrastructure can help address some of the underlying causes of the conflict, such as competition for resources and lack of opportunity. By focusing on “inclusive, sustainable and holistic development,” the administration hopes to create a foundation for lasting peace.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these efforts, there are significant challenges and criticisms. The timing of the visit, more than two years after the violence began, has been described by some opposition leaders as “too little, too late.” Critics argue that the government’s response has been slow and that a brief visit, even with a large development package, may not be enough to heal the deep social and ethnic rifts that have formed.

A key concern is that the visit focused on development projects rather than direct political dialogue with all stakeholders. While the Prime Minister met with internally displaced persons, there were no reported meetings with civil society organizations or MLAs from different communities to address the political and social issues at the heart of the conflict. The violence was triggered by long-standing grievances over issues like land rights and political representation, and many believe these require more than just economic solutions. Furthermore, some militant and student groups called for a shutdown during the visit, highlighting the continued resistance and deep-seated mistrust that persists.

Path Forward

The path to peace in Manipur is not solely dependent on a single visit or a development package. It will require a sustained and multifaceted approach that includes:

• Political Dialogue: Facilitating meaningful talks between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to address their core grievances.
• Reconciliation and Rehabilitation: Implementing effective programs to help the displaced return home and rebuild their lives, and to foster trust between the communities.
• Security and Justice: Ensuring that security forces are seen as neutral and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
• Economic Opportunity: Continuing to invest in development projects that create jobs and improve the quality of life for all residents, thereby reducing the competition for resources that fuels conflict.

Ultimately, Prime Minister Modi’s visit has opened a new chapter in the government’s engagement with Manipur. While the focus on development is a positive step, the real test of his ability to show a path to peace will be in the sustained effort to rebuild trust, reconcile communities, and address the root causes of the conflict in the months and years to come.