21 October,2026 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. Pic/PTI
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday criticised the Centre over the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur, accusing the BJP-led government of prioritising security arrangements in New Delhi over efforts to restore peace in the northeastern state.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece, Saamana, the party questioned the government's response to recurring attacks in Manipur, contrasting the security deployment in Delhi during political protests with the continuing violence affecting civilians in the state.
The editorial argued that the presence of governments led by the BJP at both the Centre and the state level had failed to ensure lasting peace in Manipur. It accused the authorities of relying heavily on security deployments without adequately addressing the underlying tensions between communities.
The ethnic conflict, which erupted in May 2023, has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced thousands of people. Recent attacks have renewed concerns about the security situation and the prospects for lasting reconciliation.
The editorial's criticism comes amid renewed violence in Manipur. On October 19, three Meitei men were killed in an ambush in the Sunurok hills near the boundary of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The attack targeted a group of 14 villagers who were collecting firewood, according to reports.
The killings triggered protests in Imphal, with demonstrators bringing the victims' bodies to the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to protest the government's handling of the security situation.
The Saamana editorial highlighted the plight of people displaced by the prolonged conflict, saying many continue to live in relief camps under difficult conditions.
"Thousands of displaced Manipuris continue to languish in overcrowded, substandard government relief camps, trapped in constant fear for their lives. Heavy security forces are deployed, yet armed groups clash at will with assault weapons. Sending security contingents is treated as the end of the government's duty, while grassroots trust-building remains entirely missing," noted the editorial.
The party argued that security operations alone would not resolve the crisis without efforts to rebuild trust among communities and address the concerns of affected residents.
The editorial also criticised the extensive security arrangements imposed during anti-government demonstrations in New Delhi, describing the capital's streets as heavily barricaded and militarised.
It alleged that the Centre was deploying substantial resources to contain political protests while failing to prevent recurring attacks, arson and killings in Manipur's vulnerable areas.
Questioning the government's response to the violence, the editorial said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur had not resulted in lasting improvements on the ground.
"Let Manipur burn, but Delhi must be saved, and the government must survive."
The editorial concluded by questioning whether Manipur was receiving the same attention and protection as the national capital.
"Is Manipur not a part of India just like Delhi? While the government deploys massive strength in Delhi, why is the same force not applied to Manipur? Manipur is burning over and over again. Who will stop this inferno?"
