MANIPUR DESERVES PEACE & STABILITY

Co-existence has been the backbone of multi cultural society of Manipur. It should remain so

Manipur is a land locked state at the eastern fag end of country, having borders with Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and 390 kms international border with Myanmar. It merged with Union in September 1949 and became an U.T. on 1/11/1956. Subsequently, it got full statehood on 21/1/72. Having a population of 28,55,794, its total area is 22,327 Sq.kms. Primarily an agrarian state with high hydel power potential, its literacy rate is commendable at 76.94%.

Though there are 16 Districts in the state, population is mainly concentrated in Imphal valley which is dominated by the Meiteis, whereas surrounding hills are inhabited by Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. Kakching, Mayang Imphal, Thoubal and Ukhrul are prominent towns, other than Imphal. Lingua franca of State is Meitei (Manipuri), while Nagas and Kukis speak Tibeto-Burman languages.

Multi-Cultural Society

50% of people live in Imphal valley. In the multi-cultural society of Manipur, Meitis and Kuki-zo are the main groups and present rivalry is also between them. Meitis, in addition, go across to Myanmar border to join in the fight against the ruling Army. They comprise 53% of the population of the State, while Kukis constitute 16%. A section of Nagas also live in the state. 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.

First C.M. of Manipur was a Muslim and the State also had two persons from Tangkhul Naga tribe (hailing from Ukhrul District) as Chief Minister. One of them was Rishang Keishing. Muivah, Leader of NSCN in Nagaland also belongs to this tribe.

Uneasy Calm for 21 Months

Uneasy calm has been prevailing in the State since May 2023. It has led to death of 260 persons and displacement of about sixty thousand people. Common man was living in a state of fear and intimidation, as armed groups were roaming freely with sophisticated weapons and instruments. About 6000 weapons were looted from the Police armoury in 2023. If Meiteis have underground factions indulging in extortion from people, Kukis too have their own militants. Militants had their own illegal check posts set up by ‘village volunteers’. 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 it is, polarisation in the state was complete. N. Biren Singh, who resigned as C.M. on 9th February, has to be tried for the offences committed by him, as in the opinion of a few, he was running a Proxy Government all along. People to people dialogue, therefore, has to start. Off and on, highways get blocked, adding to the miseries of the common man. As such, they face shortages of POL and LPG on a regular basis.

Composition of Assembly

In the 60 member state Assembly, BJP has 33 MLA’s, Congress has 5, Naga People’s Front has 5 and NPP (headed by Conrad Sangma) has 7. Last named party has withdrawn support given to the ruling party. Though BJP is still in majority, N.Biren Singh, had support of only 7 to 10 MLA’s. Support for him 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 imposed long ago, keeping in view the dismal track record of N.Niren Singh. It should first address the law and order situation, followed by clearance of Imphal valley of arms as also swift clearance of highways.

Rehabilitation of 60,000 displaced people should be the next priority as they have led a miserable life thus far.

Kukis feel that a separate airport is needed for them which should be away from Imphal valley. In day to day life also, they feel left out, as very few Government jobs are at their disposal.

Repatriation of AIS Officers

Though it has not been highlighted as yet, there is a shortage of experienced All India Services officers in the state. Many of them manage deputations to Central Ministries and Public Sector Undertakings and help each other in getting such positions.

Many years ago the former Internal Security Minister Rajesh Pilot had discovered it and he saw to it that all such officers of Manipur cadre were repatriated to the state. Such a step needs to be taken again. State government can also think in terms of utilising the services of a few senior retired AIS officers with a proven track record to bring back peace and amity in the state.

Winning the confidence of Panchayats, civil society groups, selected NGO’s, sports associations, representing all groups and tribes in the same way, may go a long way. Manipur state being a leading sports state of the country, the Governor can try using the services of their famous names. Help of famous Manipuri dancers can be also taken.Their feedback may be immensely helpful.

Health & Education To Be Given Priority

Needless to say, it may be essential to study the condition of educational institutions and health centres in different Districts, neglected all along.

Subsequent to identification of their problems and difficulties, requisite follow up action will have to be taken.One is sure that these institutions have suffered badly during the 21 month period of “inactivity”.

Latest Drive By Security Forces

Security forces have been in a position to dismantle illegal check posts amid rising tension.These were set up by so called ‘village volunteers’ on Imphal-Churachandpur road. 16 insurgents have been arrested. Now free movement of vehicles and people will be possible.

In a separate operation,11 militants were held. Seven belong to Kuki National Army and four to banned Kanglaipak Communist Party-People’s War Group. Large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered here also.This kind of crackdown could have been undertaken even prior to imposition of President’s rule.

Fraudulent Call Racket Busted

Further, in a major success, miscreants making fraudulent telephone calls to MLA’s were arrested at Kaprang and S Kwatlian on National Highway-2. It may be noted that such calls are made to mislead the legislators. Legal action is underway to trace the callers.

Requests Of Kuki-Zo and Meitie Legislators

In a welcome development, ten Kuki-Zo MLA’s have urged the centre to lay out a Road Map for peace in the state.They look forward to time bound measures to end sufferings of people. Seven of them belong to BJP, two to Kuki People’s Alliance and one is independent.

In the same way, an organisation of Meiteis – COCOMI (Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity) have also urged the Governor to issue an official statement outlining immediate plans to restore normalcy and help establish a ‘ duly elected government within February’. Immediate intervention was needed in their opinion to address the ongoing crisis.They further are of the view that once a new government was formed, a full fledged Assembly session must be convened to deliberate on the crisis and formulate necessary legal and administrative measures. As an immediate reaction, it may not be an easy proposition in view of obvious social and administrative complications. If it was so, so much precious time would not have been allowed to lapse.

All said and done, President’s rule has been welcomed by Kuki-Zo but Meiteis see it as an unjustified intervention.

TO SUM UP

Coexistence has been the backbone of multi cultural society of Manipur. It should remain so, rather than encouraging any attempt at ethnic weaponization. Apart from seizure of arms & ammunition, disarming miscreants from both communities is necessary. Recovery of a China made Drone Remote Controller in Kakching District is a very grave matter. More vigilant and proactive approach, therefore, is needed. Peace and stability is the need of the hour.

(Alok K.Shrivastava is the former Chief Secretary of Sikkim)