Women, Ethnic Divides, the BJP’s Divide-and-Rule, and Corporate Shadows in Manipur

CPIM Manipur State Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa talks about the deep crisis gripping Manipur—where political betrayal, ethnic strife, and corporate greed threaten democracy. Amidst displacement, despair, and divisive politics, fearless women lead the resistance, defying patriarchal forces and standing tall against the BJP’s manipulation.

Manipur is currently at a critical juncture, facing political turmoil, deepening ethnic divides, and the erosion of democratic norms. After nearly two years of upheaval, including the resignation of the Chief Minister, the imposition of President's Rule, and a paralyzed state assembly, what is the current state of affairs in Manipur? How do the failure to elect new leadership, the escalating humanitarian crisis—especially the plight of women and children—and the hidden role of corporate interests impact the future of democracy in the region?

Manipur is not just facing a crisis—it is living through an agony that defies words. For nearly two years, its people have been trapped in a nightmare of political paralysis, ethnic discord, and humanitarian despair. The resignation of the Chief Minister was not just a political event—it was the beginning of a catastrophic vacuum, leaving a leadership-less state, abandoned by those who were meant to protect it. The Union Government’s failure to elect a new leader is not mere incompetence; it’s a betrayal of trust, leaving about 3 million people without a voice in their own government.

The imposition of President's Rule has not brought stability—it has suffocated democracy. It is a harsh reminder that the people of Manipur are being treated like political pawns in a game they never consented to. This is not governance; this is an erasure of democracy. The CPI(M) stands firm against this injustice, demanding that the central government set a clear, unambiguous timeframe for midterm elections. Without this, democracy in Manipur will wither, and the democracy will die with it.

But the crisis is not confined to the corridors of power. Over 60,000 people have been torn from their homes, living in overcrowded relief camps, surviving on meager rations, and battling not just hunger but hopelessness. Families have been shattered. Some have even taken their own lives, unable to live like this. We have demanded 10,000 rupees per month for every affected person—not just as aid, but as a lifeline, to restore their life. Yet, the silence from the authorities is deafening.

Children’s dreams have been buried under the rubble of conflict. The educational system lies in ruins. Government schools, once beacons of hope, now stand as symbols of neglect. Displaced children, denied the right to learn, face a future robbed of possibilities. We demand their admission into better schools, not as a favor, but as a fundamental right. The youth face an even bleaker reality. Student organizations, once vibrant centers of activism, are now controlled by militant groups. Political expression is stifled.

Meanwhile, imperialist corporate vultures circle above, eager to exploit Manipur’s rich natural resources. The BJP’s cronies, like Patanjali and Adani, are eyeing tribal lands with greed, backed by deals that betray the very people they claim to serve. European corporations, including those from the Netherlands, are reportedly eyeing mineral-rich hill areas, while the government turns a blind eye. We say, enough! The forests, the lands, the resources—these belong to the indigenous communities, not to corporate giants with no stake in the land’s future.

The crisis in Myanmar has added another layer of agony. Pro-democracy protesters fleeing genocide find hostility instead of sanctuary. The BJP’s indifference is wobbling. We met with Amit Shah in May 2023, hoping for a response, and he said there is no policy on that. These refugees are not intruders; they are victims of violence, seeking nothing but safety. The government’s refusal to acknowledge this is a moral failure of epic proportions and they are even using this against the people of Manipur as a weapon, in the mainland they are propagating that we are intruders. It is the BJP who are the intruders!

The BJP’s divisive politics have turned Manipur into a battlefield of ethnic manipulation. They armed both the Kukis and the Meiteis, hoping to create loyalist militias. Instead, they sowed seeds of hatred, and now both communities reject them. CPI(M) has never played these dangerous games. We stand for unity, not division. Our voice is independent because it is rooted in the truth—Manipur belongs to its people, not to political opportunists.

Our women, the fearless pillars of Manipur’s society, are under siege. They are not like the women in the mainland—here, women don’t just exist; they lead. They hold the reins of their homes, societies, make the crucial decisions, and own the land that feeds their families. Their strength is woven into the very fabric of our society.

But now, there’s a sinister attempt to dismantle this legacy. Patriarchal-Manuvadi norms—alien to our culture—are being forcefully imposed, aiming to silence the very voices that have kept our communities strong. These regressive forces have manipulated narratives, spreading fake news to ignite militant groups, fueling hatred, and orchestrating heinous crimes against our women. Yet, despite the threats, the intimidation, and the violence, our women stand unyielding. Our AIDWA leaders face daily threats from militant groups, but they refuse to be silenced. This is a battle and our women are at the forefront, leading the charge with unbreakable spirit.

Amidst this darkness, CPI(M) stands strong, especially among Manipur’s employees. Our union is the strongest in the state because we fight for the values that matter—democracy, unity, and dignity. Manipur is bleeding, but it is not defeated. The people of Manipur are resilient, and their spirit cannot be crushed. The CPI(M) will not rest until democracy is restored, until every displaced person has a home, until every child can learn, and until the voices of the marginalized are heard. We will not allow Manipur’s soul to be sold to the highest bidder, nor its people to be forgotten.