Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A single, provocative act in Assam's Hailakandi district has ignited a fire of communal violence, creating an ominous echo of the tragedy that has consumed neighboring Manipur for over a year. The discovery of a slaughtered animal's carcass sparked outrage, which quickly spiraled into mob violence, arson, and a desperate police response involving curfews and tear gas. While seemingly a localized incident, it is a chilling reminder of how quickly the social fabric can tear when stretched thin by political division and deep-seated mistrust.
This is more than just another law-and-order problem; it is a warning. Assam is standing at the edge of the same abyss that Manipur fell into. The conflict in Manipur, which has displaced tens of thousands and created a war-like situation, also began with simmering ethnic tensions that were allowed to explode. The state machinery failed to act decisively and impartially, and the consequences have been catastrophic. Assam must not repeat these mistakes.
The political climate is a major contributing factor to this volatility. For years, divisive rhetoric, particularly from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma targeting "Miya Muslims," has been sharpening the lines between communities. This "us versus them" narrative creates a powder keg environment where any spark—like the one in Hailakandi—can lead to a devastating explosion. When leaders normalize suspicion and hostility, it gives social sanction to violence.
Compounding this danger is the rampant spread of misinformation. In the age of social media, rumors and hate-filled propaganda can travel faster than truth, turning fear into rage in an instant. This was a key factor in Manipur's descent into chaos, and the same digital weapons are being deployed in Assam.
The path forward requires immediate and responsible action. The government must move beyond mere crowd control and focus on de-escalation and justice. It needs to bring community leaders to the table, crack down hard on those spreading hate online, and, most importantly, govern for all citizens, not just a chosen vote bank.
Manipur stands as a devastating cautionary tale written in fire and sorrow. For the sake of its people and its future, Assam must pull back from the brink and choose a different path—one of reconciliation, not conflict.
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