Why PM Modi's Manipur Silence Is Deafening

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.