Dear Prime Minister,
I am writing this letter to you as a concerned citizen who is deeply disturbed by the escalating crisis in my home state Manipur. For the past few weeks, Manipur has been engulfed in a wave of violence following communal tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This devastating conflict, initiated on May 3rd, 2023, has already claimed over 70 lives, and left our fellow citizens living in constant fear and uncertainty.
This conflict was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and was also preceded by tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land and the destruction of poppy plantations by the Manipur government.
The situation on the ground is outrageous. Homes are being torched, and an atmosphere of fear, heightened by the presence of armed Kuki militants, pervades the local communities. The people of Manipur feel unprotected, with feelings of insecurity exacerbated by the sense that their pleas for help are falling on deaf ears. Adding to the hardship is a complete shutdown of the internet, disrupting the lives of many, particularly students who are unable to continue their studies and attend exams. This is a critical issue that needs immediate attention, not just for the sake of restoring peace, but for the future of our young generation.
Regrettably, the sense of desperation and helplessness has been compounded by the perceived silence from key figures of our leadership. As the Prime Minister, you symbolize hope for millions of Indians. Your voice holds power, and your actions resonate across the country. Your acknowledgment of this crisis, your voice, can direct the necessary resources towards resolving this conflict.
While it is reassuring to see that the Army and state police are diligently involved in efforts to restore peace, it’s evident that a more encompassing and coordinated strategy is required. I respectfully call upon you to initiate immediate measures to mitigate this crisis. A public statement, a strategic peacekeeping plan, and a commitment to resolving the root causes of this conflict would constitute substantial strides towards restoring peace in Manipur.
I understand that you have a great many responsibilities, not just within our nation but on the international stage as well. However, I’m confident that you share my deeply held belief that the well-being and safety of every Indian citizen hold the utmost significance. Your voice can bring this issue the national attention it needs and deserves, and your actions can help guide us towards a solution.
I express my gratitude for your attention towards this pressing issue. Alongside numerous fellow concerned citizens, I am keenly anticipating your voice and the actions you plan to undertake to reestablish tranquility and unity in Manipur.
Your sincerely,
Ronaldo Laishram, Manipur, India