By Rabindra Nath Sinha
KOLKATA: Ground realities in Manipur do suggest that the Union home ministry and the state ministry headed by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, which is in office since February 4, are yet to succeed in identifying a clear roadmap for reconciling inter-community political differences and restoring normalcy. Union home minister Amit Shah has held two security situation review meetings, first on March 20 and the second on July 4, after a popular ministry assumed office after 356 days of President’s rule. Shah appears to be counting heavily on the role of the security establishment in restoring law and order. Which in the given situation means he wants the state government to take care of the complex political issues.
But in Manipur this kind of segregation of responsibilities is not workable because deterioration in the law and order situation stems largely from intra-community rivalry, mistrust and their competing demands for preservation of their “distinctive ethnic identity, rights over ancestral land and giving no quarters to people who are not indigenous [the reference is to Kukis, who are considered illegal immigrants from bordering Myanmar].
New pockets of tension have emerged in recent months. Abductions and at least one major incident of killing of the abducted persons who included pastors have added to the woes of both New Delhi and Imphal because blockade of logistically crucial national highway 2 has remained a recurring phenomenon. Which has been directly hitting movement of heavy-duty vehicles carrying essential supplies. The worst-affected district is Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, where prices of essential commodities have been continuously rising and it has become a major humanitarian issue.
The misery of people in Kangpokpi district can be ascribed to its location – it is surrounded by the Naga-dominated Senapati district in the north and the Meitei-dominated Valley districts in the south. The lifeline happens to be NH 2.In this context, it may be mentioned that the Committee on Tribal Unity (Cotu), headquartered in Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Centre and the state government effective from midnight of June 26. In the ultimatum which Cotu issued after deliberations with all civil society organization (CSOs)s, it was explained how people in the district were being forced to a miserable existence for over a month in the absence of availability of daily necessities.
Blockade of national and state highways and operation of unauthorized check-points and gates “allegedly manned by Kacha Naga groups of Manipur, had been bringing basic economic activity to halt every other day. Free movement of people is a near-impossibility. Therefore, Cotu and CSOs want the Centre and the state administration to remove all unauthorised checkpoints and gates established along national and inter-state highways and restore unrestricted public access within 48 hours. Failure to act on the ultimatum would compel the Kuki-Zo community to undertake appropriate and pre-emptive “democratic measures to safeguard the interests, rights and security of the general public. The organisation cautioned should any untoward situation arise, the responsibility would rest with the state government and the concerned authorities.
The emergence of new pockets of violence is directly traceable to Naga-Kuki conflict which witnessed escalation as abduction involving both sides became the order of the day for some weeks in May and June. While abducted Kukis were handed over by the Naga side after back channel efforts spread over several days, instead of a similar gesture by the Kuki side, dead bodies of six abducted Nagas were handed over. The persisting tension, blockade, disruption in essential commodity supply including medicines and medical treatment has raised questions whether the state ministry will be able to tackle the multiplying administrative and political problems.
Certain examples corroborate the ground realities in Manipur. The funeral of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte — a victim of the ethnic violence that broke out in the state on May 3, 2023 — who had to be shifted to Gurugram in Haryana for treatment and who breathed his last on February 21, was ultimately possible on July 4 at his village in Kuki-majority Churachandpur district. Which means over 100 days after Valte, who belonged to the Zomi tribe, passed away. He was physically assaulted on May 4, 2023, that is, on the second day of violence. His body was preserved at the Churachandpur district hospital. His family had refused to bury the body till the culprits responsible for the deadly assault were arrested. Khemchand met his family members and attended the funeral service. But what stands out is that this was the first visit of Khemchand to Churachandpur after he took over as chief minister on February 4.
On that occasion the chief minister, known for his political experience and preference for reconciliatory approach, stressed that talks alone can pave the way for peace. Inquiries from Manipur watchers suggest that there is no doubt, as such, about his acceptability. But, mistrust and suspicion among the dominant ethnic groups pose a hurdle. In fact, some days back the state’s home minister Govindas went on record saying if there is so much suspicion, how can peace be achieved.
At New Delhi’s level, advisor (north-east) in the home ministry has been keeping touch with the major CSOs representing the Meiteis, the Kuki-Zos and the Nagas. At the state level, the security apparatus includes security advisor, DGP, DGs of Assam Rifles, CRPF and BSF. The Centre also involves the Director General of Military Operations. But, state-based political parties have not been involved so far. This is one aspect the political leadership has to look into, Manipur watchers told IPA. (IPA Service)
