New Manipur Government Under CM Khemchand Faces High Public Hopes for Peace
The establishment of a popular government in Manipur, led by the new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, has generated cautious hopes among the public. This development comes after months of political uncertainty and prolonged violence linked to the Manipur crisis, with citizens expressing high expectations that the administration will prioritize peace, rehabilitation, and reconciliation in a state deeply scarred by nearly three years of ethnic conflict.
Restoring Peace and Normalcy: The Primary Challenge
Many observers view the biggest challenge for the Khemchand-led government as the restoration of peace and normalcy across Manipur. This includes ensuring the safe and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who have been severely affected by the ongoing turmoil. For ordinary citizens, the new government's credibility will be judged primarily on its ability to ensure safety, prevent fresh outbreaks of violence, and re-establish the rule of law.
Babby Soraisam, a local Meira Paibi leader, emphasized this point in a statement to TOI. She noted that people have long desired the reinstatement of a popular government and view its formation as a positive step forward. However, she cautioned that the true test lies in performance. "We have to see if the new government under the new leadership will be able to perform as per the expectations of the people. If BJP is restoring an elected government in the state just in view of the 2027 polls, then there's no hope for the return of normalcy," she said.
Babby maintained that the new government must ensure the resettlement of IDPs to their original homes, re-establish the rule of law, and uphold rights guaranteed by the Constitution. She added that the new leader must be able to mount pressure on the Centre to act decisively towards healing Manipur's deep wounds.
Public Welcome and Lingering Questions
W Robinson, a research scholar at Manipur University, highlighted that the formation of a popular government after a long spell of President's rule is widely welcomed by the public. He stressed that peace-building efforts must be prioritized at a time when mistrust remains deep-rooted. "The first priority of the government should be restoration of peace, resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and ensuring free and safe movement across the state," he said.
Robinson also raised questions about the motives behind certain political actions, such as Kuki-Zo MLA Nemcha Kipgen taking oath as deputy chief minister virtually, while two other Kuki-Zo MLAs were physically present at the Lok Bhavan during the swearing-in ceremony. This has sparked discussions about inclusivity and representation in the new administration.
Voices from the Ground: IDPs and Vendors Express Mixed Reactions
Ahanthem Thoi, a 55-year-old IDP from Moreh now taking shelter at the Akampat relief camp in Imphal East, expressed hope that the new government will take up the resettlement of IDPs on a war footing. "Manipur authorities recently announced plans to resettle around 40,000 IDPs by March. We believe this will be possible if the government is willing. We also pray the new government is able to fulfil the same," she said.
When asked about her faith in the new leadership, Thoi responded, "We are yet to see him perform. But considering the present situation, it is only crucial that he put all out efforts to restore peace, normalcy, and rule of law."
Asem Nirmala, a woman vendor at Ima Keithel, expressed mixed reactions, noting that a significant challenge lies ahead for the new Chief Minister. "The previous government was a double-engine BJP government, and the new government is also a BJP-led government. Whether there will be any healing for Manipur with the coming of the new government solely depends on the capability of the new leader Khemchand," she said.
In summary, while the formation of the Khemchand-led government in Manipur has raised cautious hopes, the enormity of the challenges remains stark. Public expectations are centered on peace restoration, IDP resettlement, and the re-establishment of law and order, with many watching closely to see if the new leadership can deliver on these critical fronts.
