Manipur: Need For Peace & Amity

ALOK K. SHRIVASTAVA

Manipur is a landlocked state at the eastern fag end of the country, sharing borders with Assam, Mizoram, and Nagaland, along with a 390 km-long international border with Myanmar. It merged with the Union in September 1949 and became a Union Territory on 1/11/1956. Subsequently, it attained full statehood on 21/1/1972. With a population of 28,55,794, its total area is 22,327 sq. km. Primarily an agrarian state with significant hydropower potential, its literacy rate is commendable at 76.94%.

Though there are 16 districts in the state, the population is mainly concentrated in the Imphal Valley, which is dominated by the Meiteis, whereas the surrounding hills are inhabited by the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. The lingua franca of the state is Meitei (Manipuri), while the Nagas and Kukis speak Tibeto-Burman languages.

Multi-Cultural Society

Fifty percent of the population lives in the Imphal Valley. In Manipur’s multi-cultural society, Meiteis and Kukis are the main groups, and the present rivalry is also between them. Additionally, Meiteis cross the Myanmar border to join the fight against the ruling army. They comprise 53% of the state’s population, while Kukis constitute 16%. Hinduism and Christianity are the major religions. There is no caste system among the Nagas, but each Naga tribe is divided into several, or as many as 20, clans.

The first Chief Minister of Manipur was a Muslim, and the state has also had two Chief Ministers from the Tangkhul Naga tribe (hailing from Ukhrul District). One of them was RishangKeishing. Muivah, the leader of the NSCN in Nagaland, also belongs to this tribe.

Uneasy Calm for 21 Months

An uneasy calm has prevailed in the state since May 2023. It has led to the deaths of 260 people and the displacement of about 60,000. The common man has been living in a state of fear and intimidation, as armed groups roam freely with sophisticated weapons and instruments. They have set up their own illegal check posts, manned by "village volunteers."

The situation has not developed or deteriorated due to internal security issues. It has nothing to do with ground realities.

A sort of artificial divide was created, as common people are not happy to fight with each other. Whatever the case, polarization in the state is complete. N. Biren Singh, who resigned as Chief Minister on 9th February, must be tried for offenses committed under his tenure, as some believe he was running a proxy government all along. A people-to-people dialogue must begin. Highways are frequently blocked, adding to the miseries of the common man, who faces regular shortages of POL and LPG.

Composition of Assembly

In the 60-member State Assembly, the BJP has 33 MLAs, the Congress has 5, the Naga People’s Front has 5, and the NPP (headed by Conrad Sangma) has 7. The NPP has withdrawn its support for the ruling party. Though the BJP still holds the majority, N. Biren Singh had the support of only 7 to 10 MLAs, which is further shrinking within his own party.

President’s Rule: A Ray of Hope

It has been felt that the President’s Rule, imposed on 13th February, should have been implemented much earlier, considering the dismal track record of N. Biren Singh. The first priority should be addressing the law and order situation, followed by clearing the Imphal Valley of arms and swiftly opening the highways.

The rehabilitation of 60,000 displaced people should be the next priority, as they have been leading miserable lives.

Kukis feel that they need a separate airport away from the Imphal Valley. In their daily lives, they also feel left out, as very few government jobs are available to them.

Repatriation of AIS Officers

Though it has not been highlighted much, there is a shortage of experienced All India Services (AIS) officers in the state. Many manage deputations to central ministries and public sector undertakings, helping each other secure such positions.

Many years ago, former Internal Security Minister Rajesh Pilot discovered this issue and ensured that all such officers of the Manipur cadre were repatriated to the state. A similar step can be taken again. The state government could also consider utilizing the services of a few senior retired AIS officers with proven track records to restore peace and amity.

Winning the confidence of panchayats, selected NGOs, sports associations, and self-help groups representing all communities may go a long way. Since Manipur is a leading sports state in the Union, it can try using the services of its famous sportspersons. The help of renowned Manipuri dancers could also be sought, as their feedback may be immensely helpful.

Health & Education Must Be Prioritized

Needless to say, it is essential to study the condition of educational institutions and health centers in different districts, which have been neglected for a long time.

After identifying their problems and difficulties, the necessary follow-up action must be taken. It is certain that these institutions have suffered during the 21-month period of "inactivity."

Latest Drive by Security Forces

Security forces have successfully dismantled illegal check posts amid rising tensions. These were set up by so-called "village volunteers" on the Imphal-Churachandpur road. Sixteen insurgents have been arrested, ensuring the free movement of vehicles and people.

In a separate operation, 11 militants were held—seven from the Kuki National Army and four from the banned Kanglaipak Communist Party-People’s War Group. A large cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered.

Fraudulent Call Racket Busted

In a major breakthrough, miscreants making fraudulent telephone calls to MLAs were arrested at Kaprang and S. Kwatlian on National Highway-2. Such calls were made to mislead legislators. Legal action is underway to trace the callers.

Request for a Roadmap for Peace

In a welcome development, ten Kuki-Zo MLAs have urged the Centre to lay out a roadmap for peace in the state. They seek time-bound measures to end the suffering of the people. Seven of them belong to the BJP, two to the Kuki People’s Alliance, and one is independent.

To Sum Up

Coexistence has been the backbone of Manipur’s multi-cultural society. It should remain so, rather than allowing any attempt at ethnic weaponization, which would only add to the state’s woes.

(Views are personal. Email: alok.secyskm@gmail.com)