This Republic Day, let us remember what is still happening in Manipur

The Republic Day celebrations across India showcase the nation’s unity, diversity, and commitment to its constitutional ideals. However, in Manipur, the occasion serves as an unsettling reminder of the gulf between these ideals and the lived realities of its people. For over twenty months, the state has been in a conflict that has exposed systemic failures, deepened alienation, and laid bare the limitations of a governance model that prioritizes control over inclusion. This is not just a regional crisis but a national test of India’s democracy, its commitment to justice, and its ability to uphold the promises of its Constitution.

Meitei groups such as the Alliance for Socialist Unity, Kangleipak (ASUK), and the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of seven Valley-based militant outfits, highlighted their boycott of Republic Day by claiming January 26 symbolizes subjugation—a day marking the forced assimilation of Manipur into a larger structure of governance without its consent. The Kuki-Zomi communities, however, view the day differently.

For them, it represents systemic neglect and marginalization. Their call for separate administration is not about secession but survival—a plea for dignity, justice, and autonomy in the face of persistent inequalities and exclusion.

This duality of resistance highlights Manipur’s intricate layers of grievances, where historical injustices, ethnic tensions, and governance failures intersect. As the country commemorates Republic Day, the situation in Manipur necessitates a deeper reckoning with the ideals that the day seeks to honour. It serves as a sobering reminder that many still seek the promises of liberty, equality, and justice, challenging the country to bridge the gap between principle and practice.

Manipur’s Conflict: A Republic’s Broken Promise

India’s Republic Day celebrations, with their grand parades and elaborate displays of cultural diversity, often project an image of unity and pride. Yet, for many in Manipur, these celebrations ring hollow. While the nation marks its democratic milestones, Manipur remains mired in violence, isolation, and alienation. Groups like ASUK and CorCom have labelled Republic Day a “symbol of oppression,” reflecting their disillusionment with a state that has long treated the Northeast as a geopolitical frontier rather than an integral part of the nation.

The ongoing conflict in Manipur, primarily affecting the Kuki-Zomi communities, reveals the fragility of India’s republican ideals. Human Rights Watch reports paint a grim picture: thousands displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and trust between communities eroded. This violence is not merely a result of ethnic tensions but a symptom of decades of systemic neglect and exclusion. Manipur’s governance, often characterized by majoritarian dominance, has failed to address the grievances of its tribal communities.

Symbolic gestures, such as the inclusion of Ima Keithel (Mother’s Market) in last year’s Republic Day tableau, aim to highlight Manipur’s rich cultural heritage and the role of women in its society. However, these gestures have drawn criticism from local tribe leaders who see them as “superficial distractions” that fail to address the pressing realities of conflict and systemic neglect. While the tableau ostensibly celebrates women’s empowerment, it acutely contrasts with the harsh ground realities of widespread violence against women, displacement, and ongoing ethnic conflict, leaving many to question the sincerity of such symbolic efforts amid a humanitarian crisis.

Direct testimonies from affected individuals underline the severity of the situation. “We have lost our homes, our land, and our peace,” said a displaced Kuki elder from Lamka, Churachandpur. “These parades mean nothing when our villages are burning.”

Prolonged internet shutdowns have stifled dissent, restricted access to critical information, and isolated communities from their support networks. Beyond local impacts, these actions harm India’s global standing, raising concerns about its commitment to upholding democratic freedoms. As international watchdogs increasingly question these measures, the crisis in Manipur emerges as not just a local tragedy but a blemish on India’s democratic reputation.

The Unfulfilled Promise of the Constitution

The Preamble of India’s Constitution declares its commitment to justice, liberty, and equality. Yet, for the Kuki-Zomi communities of Manipur, these principles remain aspirational. Governance in the state has sidelined their voices, favouring majoritarian interests and perpetuating systemic inequities. The diversion of over 250 square kilometres of tribal forest land without consent exemplifies this exploitation—an act that disregards the constitutional principle of inclusivity.

Article 244 of the Constitution, through the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, explicitly provides for the administration of tribal areas to safeguard their distinct identity and autonomy. However, the implementation of these provisions in Manipur has been inconsistent. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech, a right repeatedly curtailed by prolonged internet shutdowns. Similarly, Article 21—the right to life and personal liberty—has been interpreted by courts to include the right to live with dignity. Yet, the ongoing displacement and violence starkly violate this principle.

A republic is meaningful only when its laws result from free public discussion and pass open scrutiny. In Manipur, governance by imposition has replaced dialogue, further alienating the Kuki-Zomi communities. This failure not only undermines constitutional values but also echoes systemic neglect seen in other marginalized regions, such as Kashmir and central India.

To restore faith in the Constitution, the state must actively engage with Kuki-Zomi communities, prioritize their rights, and deliver on the promises enshrined in constitutional safeguards. Upholding these commitments is not just a regional obligation but a national one.

Reviving Constitutional Morality

Republic Day is a symbolic reminder of India’s foundational commitment to democracy, justice, and equality. Yet, these ideals appear increasingly fragile in the face of systemic failures, as evident in the ongoing crisis in Manipur. The concept of constitutional morality, as envisioned by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizes governance that respects not only the letter of the law but also its spirit—one that prioritizes justice, inclusivity, and accountability over mere procedural compliance.

Manipur’s conflict exemplifies the erosion of this moral framework. The reliance on prolonged internet shutdowns, militarized responses, and exclusionary policies has prioritized coercion over dialogue. These actions not only alienate already vulnerable communities but also undermine the republic’s moral authority. Prof. Pratap Bhanu Mehta aptly notes that a republic’s survival depends on its capacity to balance power with justice. When governance mechanisms fail to mediate social conflicts equitably, they betray the principles they are meant to uphold.

Restoring constitutional morality in Manipur requires confronting uncomfortable truths.

First, there must be a formal acknowledgement of historical injustices faced by the tribal communities. This includes addressing systemic neglect, resource exploitation, and political marginalization that have fostered deep mistrust. Second, the state must move beyond token gestures and engage in substantive dialogue with all stakeholders. Governance by imposition cannot replace governance by consent—a fundamental tenet of republicanism.

Furthermore, the judiciary must act as a custodian of rights, ensuring that state actions adhere to the principles of justice and equity. The judiciary’s proactive engagement in cases of internet shutdowns and displacement can set vital precedents for safeguarding democratic freedoms.

Civil society and the media must also play a role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and holding the state accountable.

Constitutional morality is not the sole responsibility of institutions but a collective endeavour that demands vigilance and active participation.

Manipur’s crisis is a litmus test for India’s republican ideals. The nation’s ability to address this conflict with empathy, fairness, and foresight will determine whether its constitutional values remain vibrant or are reduced to ceremonial rhetoric. By prioritizing justice over power, India can reaffirm its commitment to the moral foundation of its Constitution and set a precedent for resolving conflicts in a way that strengthens the republic.

Manipur’s conflict is a national test of India’s commitment to its founding ideals of justice, equality, and liberty. The crisis underscores the urgent need for autonomy, reconciliation, and inclusive governance—not merely as ethical imperatives but as constitutional necessities. By addressing the systemic grievances of its marginalized communities, India can transform Manipur from a symbol of neglect into a beacon of democratic resilience.

This Republic Day, India must go beyond symbolic gestures and ceremonial rhetoric. It must embrace a governance model that listens, heals, and empowers. Only then can the nation uphold its republican ideals and reaffirm its moral authority—at home and on the global stage. The path forward demands not just statecraft but empathy and foresight, proving that India’s democracy is strong enough to accommodate its diversity and compassionate to heal its divisions.

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Views expressed are that of the author and do not reflect the views of EastMojo on this or any other issue.