Manipur’s Silent Struggle for Functioning Democracy
8 months | 2 weeks
And Manipur is still burning.
The Manipuri on whom India is standing and watching silently. The Manipuris on which the Indian democracy is crumbling…
As India was busy celebrating Republic Day, let’s not forget that behind the festivities, Manipur still faces challenges in fully experiencing the benefits of a democratic republic. Despite the national joy, they remain marginalised within the democratic framework.
The northeastern state of Manipur has witnessed a drawn-out conflict, questioning the efficacy of India’s democratic principles. Promises of democratic ideals have failed to resonate with the aspirations and grievances of the Manipuri people.
However, a significant failure lies in Prime Minister Modi’s silence on the issue. The same man who responded within hours on the October 7th attack on Israel took 79 days to speak up, and that came only after the disturbing incidents of the strip parading and gang rape of three Manipuri women came to public and international attention. Also, let’s not forget the fact that, despite calls from the opposition and the public, PM Modi has not found time to visit Manipur since the violence began in May 2023.
Amidst this turmoil, the irony emerges as Prime Minister Modi, instead of genuinely addressing the issue, has politicised it by extending wishes to Manipuris on ‘Manipur Statehood Day,’ prompting questions about the leadership’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1748909076463919600
Turning to media coverage, another significant factor contributing to the lack of public sentiment over the Manipur issue comes to light. The recent wave of violence in Manipur, marked by brutal ethnic clashes, has brought to light not just the deep-seated tensions within the state but also the alarming silence and bias in media coverage. As the conflict unfolded, a stark divide between the majority Meiteis and minority Kukis was exacerbated by misinformation, fueled by an internet shutdown. This media blackout and biased reporting have perpetuated a distorted narrative, hindering both information gathering and unbiased reporting.
As heart-wrenching as the situation was, the mass burial of 87 bodies in Churachandpur sadly did not receive proper media coverage in India and even less so in the international community, highlighting the media’s selective approach and the lack of visibility given to the Manipur crisis.
In May, as violence erupted, authorities blocked the internet to curb the spread of disinformation. Unfortunately, by then, false reports and manipulated videos had already circulated widely. One particularly outrageous fake video purported to show Meitei women being raped by Kuki men. This misinformation triggered violent reprisals, leading to targeted sexual violence against Kuki women, who became victims of a vicious campaign fueled by falsehoods.
Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Review of Arts and Politics, highlights the challenge of unbiased reporting, stating, “Given the situation and geographical divisions of the communities, there is unfortunately one-sided news.”
The bias in news coverage is discernible, with journalists walking on eggshells due to the deepening divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Major valley newspapers and cable news channels, often affiliated with the Meitei community, have shown a noticeable bias. Journalists reporting from the hills surrounding the Imphal Valley, where the conflict is concentrated, face challenges in providing a full picture as they grapple with their own editorial positions and fear of backlash.
The divide is not just geographical but also cultural and religious, with Meiteis being mostly Hindu and residing in the prosperous valley, while Kukis, largely Christian, inhabit the surrounding hills. The lack of representation and communication between the communities further skews the news, leaving the public with a fragmented and biased understanding of the situation.
Internet shutdowns have worsened the situation, making it difficult for journalists to access information and report from the ground. Journalists have resigned or chosen to report from safer locations due to the hostile environment.
Beerjurekha Samom, the editor of Imphal-based Heeyai Newn, reflects on the challenges faced by journalists: “It is very tough for journalists to be neutral and who think rationally to cover news. It is tough to do authentic reporting in this current climate and dispensation.”
The press’s role in holding those responsible for the crisis accountable has been inadequate. The media has failed to probe the dichotomy within the ruling party, allowing matters to escalate. The prevailing majoritarian politics and biases have further complicated the crisis, leading to a disregard for the troubles and traumas faced by the people in these conflict zones.
The recent statistics released by Manipur police underscore the severity of the situation, with 175 confirmed dead, 96 bodies unclaimed, and 1,118 people sustaining injuries. The scale of arson, including attacks on houses and religious places, paints a grim picture of the unrest in the state.
In conclusion, the media’s complicit silence in Manipur has perpetuated a skewed narrative that obscures the complex realities on the ground. The community divide, internet shutdowns, and biased reporting impede public access to accurate information. Manipur’s crisis reflects a national identity crisis, urging a redefinition of India—one inclusive of the struggles at its margins. Until then, the Manipur-like crises will persist, hidden under the rug, until an alarming image compels the nation to speak up.
Article By
Fathima Ameera
