By Rabindra Nath Sinha
KOLKATA: Manipur is on the boil again with the National Investigative Agency and the Central Bureau of Investigation stepping up their respective activity. Ironically, the fresh violence, the persisting deep ethnic divide and deactivated internet services in five of Manipur’s 16 districts serve as the backdrop of the talks with the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups which the Union ministry of home affairs has scheduled for June 9. Despite the unfortunate developments, the chances of the scheduled talks being held are 100 per cent because MHA has chosen New Delhi as the venue; instead of capital Imphal or any other suitable place in the strife-scarred state. The talks will be presided over by MHA’s north-east advisor A K Mishra, who is to be aided by an official of the rank of joint director.
What invests the scheduled talks with significance is that the agenda is limited to the controversial Suspension of Operations (SoO) that was a tripartite deal signed on August 22, 2008 and extended from time to time. The three parties were MHA, Manipur government and the Kuki National Organisation on behalf of 25 militant groups. But, since February 29, 2024, when a fresh extension was to be signed, SoO became a lame instrument as the Manipur government withdrew from the deal. Calling the shots then was chief minister N Biren Singh, who firmly argued that SoO inhabited predominantly by had not be honoured by the Kuki insurgent groups and their role in the ethnic violence that engulfed Manipur since May 3, 2023 was highly suspect.
Monday’s meeting, to be attended also by IB officials, therefore, has a very complicated context as the Meiteis are against activation of SoO in any format and Kuki-Zos are against its abrogation ; even dilution to the slightest extent. Right now, as reports suggest, the MHA team’s aim is to restrict the number of SoO camps at sites close to the valley districts inhabited predominantly by the Meiteis, from the existing 14 to seven. As for this meeting, the media coordinator of a civil society group The Meitei Alliance has pointed out for all practical purposes, SoO was “terminated” in February 2024 and, therefore, any signing will be for a new agreement. This is because only an active agreement can be extended. [The Meitei Alliance, it has been claimed, has offices at several cities and towns in India and abroad].
For the record, it may be mentioned that Manipur’s home secretary N Ashok Kumar signed an order on June 7 to the effect that in view of the disturbed law and order situation, internet and all allied services in terms of Telecom Services ….. Rules 2017 will remain suspended for five days with effect from 11-45 p.m. in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts.
Meanwhile, by ordering an inquiry and assuring appropriate action, the Manipur administration was able, after several days’ protests, to diffuse the situation that arose on May 20 when security personnel placed stickers on a tourism department-arranged bus with scribes in an attempt to hide the name of the state as the bus approached Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. The security forces’ action was considered an excess by the journalists who were going to cover the five-day Shirui Lily festival from May 20 in Ukhrul. They immediately protested the security personnel’s action and soon civil society outfits spontaneously hit the streets.
The agitations and resultant tensions once again proved although ethnic violence that had erupted on May 3, 2023 on the issue of ST status for Meiteis, who have a dominating presence in the Valley, has abated yet sustainable peace has been eluding this small north-east state. The festival did take place with massive security back-up but in a surcharged atmosphere. The protestors went to the extent of demand the resignations of the chief secretary, DGP and security advisor [It deserves mention that chief secretary Prashant Singh belongs to the Manipur cadre of IAS].
The Shirui lily festival is held in Tangkhul Naga-inhabited Ukhrul district’s Shirui village and Ukhrul town. The May 20 festival marked its return after 2022. It attracts visitors from different states and from a majority of Manipur’s 16 districts. But, the largest number of visitors usually are from the Meitei-majority Valley. The May 20 steps of the security personnel and the spate of protests that were seen in reaction also confirm that free movement across the state yet remains a difficult proposition Union home minister Amit Shah’s repeated pleas notwithstanding.
The security forces’ action may have been seen as an excess on their part and the protestors’ unanimous view that the incident had hurt Manipuri pride ; but it also be seen as a precautionary move on their part, given the animosity between the warring sides – Meiteis and Kuki-Zos. The Meitei-inhabited Valley is surrounded by Hill districts inhabited by Kuki-Zos. [According to a report in the Sunday Express edition of May 18, for reaching the festival sites, Meiteis and other residents have to travel through at least three pockets of Kuki-Zo settlements].
In recent days, umbrella outfits meant to look after the interest of the ‘indigenous’ people of Manipur have intensified their efforts to get the 30 days-deadline for deportation of illegal migrants extended. The Union home ministry’s instructions to states and UTs issued in early May stipulate that persons claiming to be Indian citizens but are unable to submit prescribed documents should be deported out of India. The home ministry’s instructions mention that the advised action is meant to be taken against all illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
After ex-chief minister N Biren Singh submitted a detailed representation (dated May 27) to Governor Ajay Bhalla in person on May, it is now the turn of the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), which is affiliated to the North East Indigenous People’s Forum. It is evident from IPFM’s letter of May 30 to Governor Ajay Bhalla that unchecked illegal immigration from Myanmar and Bangladesh is threatening the rights and land ownership of the indigenous communities; in addition to drug trafficking, human trafficking and arms smuggling across porous borders.
Contending that rehabilitation “with knowledge and support of the authorities” of thousands refugee families over the years warrants a thorough probe, the organization has spoken about the recent spurt in the influx of illegal immigrants in vast areas of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Kamjong districts. IPFM has cited a letter dated June 20, 1973 to then MoS for home K C Pant written by then member of Parliament from Manipur Paokai Haokip, who acknowledged the settlement of over 1,500 refugee families n Manipur by 1967. The forum has sought extension of the 3o days-deadline arguing that verification entails a large volume of work and the states and UTs have to create appropriate infrastructure.
Apart from the states and UTs, the instructions have been issued to DG of Border Security Force and Assam Rifles, forces which guard India’s borders with the two countries. States and UTs have been asked to set up sufficient district level detention centres to hold individuals, pending deportation. States and UTs on paper have the statutory power to detect, indentify and deport illegal immigrants. Augmentation of detention centres itself will consume for than 30 days and execution of the instructions entail legal processes.
Both N Biren Singh and IPFM have appreciated the MHA initiative to tackle the problem in an organized manner, but states and UTs too have to be equipped to execute the task and in that direction MHA’s help also will be necessary. The deadline of 30 days is rather short and, therefore, a reasonable extension is a must. The IPFM letter, signed by its president Ashang Kasar and general secretary Ramtahung Newme, has also suggested setting up of verification task forces in border districts, involvement of community-based outfits with the task and creation of secure data systems. (IPA Service)
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