53 days of Manipur violence: PM still silent, civil society vocal near parliament

Even as violence on an unprecedented scale maintains its grip on the state of Manipur for now 53 days, PM Modi — who recently lectured world media on democracy during a presser at the White House — has remained silent on the issue.

Contrary to the ‘studied silence’ maintained by the PM, members of civil society have been vocal on the issue. Both Meitei and tribal organisations have held many demonstrations in different parts of the country, demanding the restoration of peace in the state — as well as, variously, other mutually contentious demands.

Led by the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) — the women's wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — thousands of Manipuri people living in Delhi held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar again on Saturday (June 24), very close to the parliament building.  

Mainly representatives of the Kuki and other Manipuri tribes, their demands included President’s Rule in the state and the protection of Scheduled Tribes' rights. Some pitched for the division of the state, or at least a separate tribal administration independent of the Meitei-dominated local governance.

“Separation only solution,” read one of the placards. "Tribal Lives Matter!" insisted another. One exhorted support for the Christians of Manipur — reports of churches being vandalised have come in repeatedly from the state, despite the internet ban. "Our Land, Our Rights, Our Identity!" read one more.

Here are a few selected pictures of the protest clicked by photojournalist Vipin for National Herald.