Since Independence, it is for the first time that the country is witnessing a prolonged period of ethnic violence in a sensitive border State, like Manipur. The fault lines in Manipur have existed between tribals and non-tribals, who reside predominantly in the hills and plains respectively. However, in the current cycle of violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos, the Naga Community has remained somewhat insulated from the strife. The Nagas have however been watch-full of the Kuki Zo community of having hogged the limelight and are keenly watching the situation to demand greater autonomy, in the event of any concessions are granted to the Kuki community. This would not have been possible without influence of Naga Peoples Front, (a Naga political outfit) which supports the BJP led state governments of Nagaland and Manipur; and also, NSCN(IM) which is in peace talks with the Centre and commands considerable influence in Naga majority hill districts of Manipur.
The trigger for the current cycle of violence has been attributed to the Court verdict, in consideration of the demand for tribal status to the Meitei Community; however, it would be naïve to believe that it was the sole reason for the current animosity between the communities. If religion and tribal status were the only reasons for the current violence, then Naga and Kuki-Zo communities would have been united; however, there is no collaboration between the communities. Historically, ethnic unrest is caused mainly due to politico-economic reasons and specially when aspirations of people are not heard. In Manipur the civil society is fragmented, and the dominant Meitei community wields power, and the tribal community consisting of Kuki Zos and Nagas are in minority.
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The interference from across the International Border is not a new factor but has existed for decades and No particular community can deny this charge. Manipur has always been known as the gateway of Narcotics from the golden triangle through Myanmar. Though most insurgent groups have suspended their anti-national activities and are in negotiations with the Union Government for a lasting solution, but their role in support to Narco-Terrorism is suspect. The charges against any community for indulging in poppy cultivation needs to be investigated and the guilty be penalized. However, allegations making entire Communities as illegal migrants indulging in poppy cultivation may be far-fetched. The Government has constructed a fence at Moreh and also modified the Free Movement Regime however only time will reveal about effectiveness of these measures. The tribal communities also fear that grant of Tribal Status to Meitis would entitle them to procure land in the hills as the plains are getting congested.
The violence in Manipur was not nipped in the bud but allowed to spread. Looting of weapons from police armouries, role of the state police and militias, functioning of the Unified Command raises many questions on the sincerity of the state government to control the violence. The AFSPA which had been lifted due to political expediency has been hurriedly reimposed. The people have also raised objections on deployment of Security Forces due to bias against their respective communities. The Unified Command too lacked vision and professionalism. On one occasion a false alarm was created by the unified command that hundreds of foreign insurgents equipped with Rocket Launchers will enter Manipur with specific dates, but the order was cancelled as inputs were found unreliable. Such actions lead to an atmosphere of fear mongering and creating mistrust among the people.
A full-fledged Governor has recently been appointed after a gap of nearly six months since the last one was relieved (a caretaker Governor was there in the interim). The new Incumbent was the Home Secretary for nearly five years till Aug 24. Now he has been elevated to be the Governor of the state. The moot question is that it was the lack of direction by the MHA which allowed the situation to deteriorate, so will there be a change in policy now? After his assumption, in his first conference of officials the Governor suggested that NSA should be used against those indulging in violence. It is hoped that sooner he assesses the situation on ground and recommends imposition of Presidents Rule and also revamps the Unified Headquarters so that trust of all communities is regained by the Government.
The Manipur situation should be brought under control as soon as possible. Neighbouring states like Mizoram and Meghalaya have willy-nilly got affected. Nagaland too has been waiting for decades for the much-delayed political solution and also the fresh demand for Frontier Nagaland. The situation in Myanmar is volatile with Insurgents having made successes against the Myanmar Army, which may further complicate issues in Manipur. India’s relations with Bangladesh have nosedived after the recent regime change and ISI may soon start operating from Bangladesh to destabilize our North-East.
In view of the above challenges sincere efforts be made for expeditious resolution of the ethnic violence in Manipur.
Col Prakash Bhatt(Retd)
Noida
(The views expressed are in his personal capacity)
