Manipur is again on the boil with violence escalating not only among the warring groups but also against seats and symbols of power. Mobs have attacked Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s ancestral house and the houses of many ministers and MLAs. Violence runs through a chain of incidents in the state with attacks and counter-attacks between the Meiteis and the Kukis, and it is spreading and intensifying by the day.
Manipur is again on the boil with violence escalating not only among the warring groups but also against seats and symbols of power. Mobs have attacked Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s ancestral house and the houses of many ministers and MLAs. Violence runs through a chain of incidents in the state with attacks and counter-attacks between the Meiteis and the Kukis, and it is spreading and intensifying by the day.
The spreading violence has had political consequences. The National People’s Party (NPP) which has seven MLAs has withdrawn support to the Biren Singh government, citing its “complete failure” in resolving the crisis. The withdrawal of support does not pose a threat to the government as it has a majority in the House though it shows distrust in the government, by a close ally. But there is opposition to Biren Singh even from within the BJP. A number of MLAs, including those from the Kuki side, have distanced themselves from the government. It has been clear, ever since the present phase of unrest and violence started last year, that Biren Singh is part of the problem in the state, but the Central government has been shielding him.
Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/editorial/missing-in-manipur-serious-political-intent-3281834
