Message to Manipur: Move past the past, J&K is doing it

Prime Minister Narendra Modi always chooses his own timing for writing a script. He knows the art of changing the character of the discourse; from conflict management to resolution. His visit to violence-hit Manipur on Saturday, September 13, 2025, demonstrated it amply.

Many questions swirled around the timing of the visit to the state which had been in turmoil for long. There had to be an answer, and Prime Minister delivered it with his reassuring presence, full of promise to restore peace and harmony. Peace is must for development, as also for fulfillment of aspirations of new generations.

Jammu and Kashmir, that had been victim of cross-border sponsored violence for decades, listened to Prime Minister’s speech in Imphal with undiluted attention. This Himalayan territory, which PM hails as “crown jewel” of the country has suffered despicable violence for more than 35 years. That resulted in much more than mere loss of young lives and their dreams. Now, there has been a turnaround.

The two situations are not comparable, but the violence leaves festering wounds and suppression of aspirations alike across regions. Jammu and Kashmir knows the value of peace and development for it has undergone soul-piercing troubles. They have not been healed fully. The process, however, is in progress. A redeeming feature is coalescing of peace lovers against perpetrators of extremist violence.

Two themes, essentially one linked to the other, formed core of PM’s speech in Manipur: violence ruins everything and is the biggest roadblock to development and aspirations. This is a universally relevant message. In the context of India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, this message has profound meaning. Manipur and Kashmir have seen and experienced violence, though of different connotations and motives. They can empathize with each other as victims of violence. Peace is imperative for their real-time position in the journey toward “Viksit Bharat”.

PM’s visit to Manipur was an occasion to watch for it bore historical significance. Prime Minister wanted to make his visit a turning point in the history of Manipur, and by extension the messaging was for the rest of the country as well. There was a recurring theme that violence would yield nothing but disaster, while peace is a recipe for progress, development and realization of aspirations. The focus was on Gen. Z. In this era of digital world, no area and people are remote. Internet shutdowns don’t come in the ways of Gen. Z.

Manipur faces a choice: continue with the ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis, or embrace peace and harmony. This debate will rage on. The polarisation and bitter dislike of opponents, will certainly lead to something even worse than what Manipur has seen in the past two years. The violence would take them downhill, while peace can shine the path to prosperity.

Manipur is a 53-year-old State – it was a Union Territory prior to January 21, 1972-with an approximate population of 37 lakh spread over to an area of 22,300 Sq. Kms. It has been the victim of ethnic violence because of the neglect of decades, and of murky divisions. It is a cumulative curse plaguing the state, a state that has its distinct culture and ethos.

The violence interrupted peace and kept it away from the development that this hilly state deserved. Political fault-lines are no less responsible for the situation in which Manipur is today. Some actions of the Centre and Governor Ajay Bhalla have brought significant improvement in the situation. It happens when the men at the helm of affairs have sincere intentions and want to bring change on the ground in reality, not empty rhetoric.

“Manipur has a rich heritage dating back to thousands of years. The roots of its culture are strong and deep. Manipur is the jewel adorning the crown of Maa Bharti. Therefore, we must continually strengthen Manipur’s development image,” PM said it in his inimitable style. The thrust was on fostering a lasting connect between heritage and aspirations.

He added with an emphasis : “Any form of violence in Manipur is most unfortunate. Such violence is a grave injustice not only to our ancestors but also to future generations. Hence, we must collectively advance Manipur on the path of peace and development.”

Today, Jammu and Kashmir is an example of the transformation. Manipur can draw its lessons and move past the past. J&K is witness to all-inclusive growth. The tiny northeastern state too can adopt the similar path. Peace is sine quo non for infrastructural development and opening of vistas of opportunities. The peace has its own prerequisites; it should be organic. It must be based on mutual partnership and internal growth. That thing has to be underlined and understood whether it is J&K or Manipur.

Who knows it better than Prime Minister Modi, that how hard it is to bring about the change especially when there is fascination with the extremist ideologies and violence. He, and Home Minister Amit Shah, continues to be engaged in bringing about real and palpable sense of peace. Some gaps are still staring at the Centre. Over the past few years, Jammu and Kashmir has become a willing partner in the peace process and it is important that all the existing gaps are filled with the promises held to people of this territory.

Centre needs to fill certain gaps that continue to tamper the thinking in political and social circles to enable J&K to define perfect peace. And the leadership knows what these gaps are. Promise fulfilled as per a particular timeframe is fruitful and rewarding.