Why Is No One Talking About Manipur? The Silence Speaks Volumes

In a country where news cycles change faster than the weather, the prolonged silence around Manipur’s crisis is deafening. While shows like India’s Got Latent dominate headlines, the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 300 lives and displaced 60,000 people since May 2023, remains largely ignored by mainstream media, politicians, and social media influencers. This raises a critical question: Why is Manipur being sidelined?

The Manipur Crisis: A Brief Overview

Manipur, a northeastern state of India, has been embroiled in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023. The conflict, rooted in land rights, economic disparities, and political representation, has led to widespread destruction, loss of life, and a humanitarian crisis. Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention and calls for accountability, the situation remains unresolved, with President’s Rule being imposed in February 2025 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation.

The violence has been marked by horrific incidents, including the viral video of two women being paraded naked, which sparked national outrage but failed to sustain long-term media attention. While the central government has initiated peace talks and investigations, the lack of tangible progress has left the people of Manipur in a state of despair.

Why Is Manipur Being Ignored?

1. Media Prioritization of Entertainment Over Hard News

In today’s digital age, media outlets often prioritize content that generates higher engagement and revenue. Shows like India’s Got Latent, with their glitz and glamour, attract more viewers and advertisers than stories of conflict and suffering. This shift towards entertainment-centric journalism has pushed critical issues like Manipur to the sidelines.

2. Political Apathy and Selective Outrage

Politicians, too, have been largely silent on Manipur. While opposition leaders like Jairam Ramesh have criticized the central government’s handling of the crisis, their voices have been sporadic and insufficient to drive sustained national attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief mention of Manipur in a 30-second statement, after 1,800 hours of silence, highlights the lack of political will to address the issue.

3. Social Media’s Short Attention Span

Social media, often a platform for amplifying marginalized voices, has also failed Manipur. While the viral video of the two women did spark outrage, the conversation quickly fizzled out. The algorithm-driven nature of social media favors trending topics, and Manipur’s prolonged crisis doesn’t fit the mold of “viral content”.

4. Geographical and Cultural Distance

Manipur’s geographical location in the northeastern corner of India contributes to its marginalization. Mainstream media and audiences often view the region as distant and disconnected from the rest of the country. This cultural and geographical divide exacerbates the lack of empathy and understanding towards Manipur’s plight.

The Consequences of Silence

The media and political silence on Manipur has far-reaching consequences:

1. Erosion of Trust: The lack of coverage undermines public trust in media and governance, reinforcing the perception that some lives matter less than others.
2. Humanitarian Crisis: Without sustained attention, the displaced and affected communities struggle to access relief and rehabilitation.
3. Normalization of Violence: The silence normalizes violence and impunity, sending a dangerous message that such atrocities can occur without accountability.

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What Can Be Done?

1. Media Accountability

Media outlets must strike a balance between entertainment and hard news. Dedicated coverage, investigative journalism, and long-form storytelling can bring Manipur’s crisis back into the national consciousness.

2. Political Will

Politicians must move beyond token statements and take concrete steps to address the crisis. This includes visiting Manipur, engaging with affected communities, and ensuring accountability for human rights violations.

3. Public Awareness

Citizens can play a crucial role by amplifying Manipur’s story on social media, signing petitions, and demanding action from their representatives. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations can also bridge the gap between Manipur and the rest of India.

Breaking the Silence

The silence around Manipur is not just a failure of media and politics; it is a failure of empathy and justice. While shows like India’s Got Latent entertain us, they should not distract us from the urgent need to address Manipur’s crisis. The people of Manipur deserve more than fleeting attention—they deserve justice, peace, and a voice in the national narrative.

As we scroll through our social media feeds or tune into the latest news, let us remember Manipur. Let us break the silence and demand action. Because in the end, a nation’s greatness is measured not by its entertainment but by its commitment to justice and humanity.