Why PM Modi's Manipur Silence Is Deafening
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent political
visits to Jammu and Kashmir have become routine, even amid the region’s
ongoing instability. Yet, his conspicuous absence in Manipur during its
worst humanitarian crisis in decades is both perplexing and alarming.
What is the reason for this silence? Why does the PM’s tour itinerary
easily accommodate politically charged rallies in Kashmir but exclude a
conflict-torn Manipur, where communities are grappling with violence,
dislocation, and loss?
The contrast is glaring. Kashmir has
always been a hotbed of political debate, but the government's repeated
focus there seems to serve a calculated political interest rather than
addressing pressing local issues. Manipur, on the other hand, is reeling
under communal strife, with thousands displaced and lives shattered.
The situation demands urgent attention, not just from local authorities,
but from the highest levels of leadership. Yet, the Prime Minister
remains distant, both literally and figuratively.
By avoiding
Manipur, Modi sends an unfortunate message—that some parts of India are
more politically convenient than others. His silence undermines his
image as a leader for all of India. The unrest in Manipur is not a mere
law-and-order issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that demands
compassion, dialogue, and most importantly, presence. The PM's refusal
to set foot in Manipur makes his government appear indifferent to the
plight of the people there, casting a long shadow over his leadership
credentials.
Meanwhile, Modi’s continued engagement in Kashmir,
no matter how turbulent, gives him political mileage in national and
international arenas. But what good is political capital when it comes
at the cost of human lives in the Northeast? The contrast between his
eagerness to campaign in Kashmir and his reluctance to visit Manipur
speaks volumes about the priorities of his administration.
In a
democracy, silence can be as loud as words. And in Modi’s case, his
absence from Manipur during such a crucial time is deafening. The
country is watching.
