Why Muivah Should Not Visit Manipur?

RS Jassal *

Many vested interests influence certain situations in dispute specially  prolonged ones, some feel wise and knowledgeable  to fish in the troubled waters, But, what happens when Government becomes a party to it, and disturb the seemingly settled waters.  Immediate proposed visit of Muivah to Manipur is akin to that. Is it forced by a researched  quest for peace or otherwise to appease sentiments as well aspirations in squeeze is left to the judgment of those who have real stake(s) in imagined peace for Manipur?

Please examine the following developments with open mind. Year 2001 with 16 June as intense scene in the valley need not be told connected with what event as it is in memory lane & replays quick reflex to a life brought to screeching halt then. Order of the Central Govt. CF applicability to all Naga inhabited areas was reeled back and made known to concerned parties CFMG, (Cease Fire Monitoring Group), Govts. Of Nagaland & Manipur & the supreme authorities in NSCN (IM) that Ceasefire was operative in Nagaland only- Nagalim in East, West, and South & North were excluded.

Within a year from then, Karaiba Chawang, important leader i/c Home from NSCN (IM) with his companions and 10-11 weapons was detained on IT (Imphal- Tamenglong) road, bought to Imphal duly detained but had to be released on direction from MHA. So everyone in the chain got pleased i.e., law enforcing authorities, law abiding authority and authority above law with net result NIL. Siroi 'stand off' between NSCN (IM) and the 'Assam Rifles' is still fresh in the minds of everyone from Manipur. Arrest of SS Lt. Col Ningshen in SDO (Kishen) murder case is also victory of law of the land.

Muivah came to heart of India on 5th March. Interlocutor refixed in Pandey who understands the problems, history and vacillating claims of Naga rebels & the percentage of people from normal strata favoring peace (100%), favoring to deal with Naga rebels strictly or need based  (percentage yet to be established) & others who wish to continue within existing governance process in democratic norms (100%) since Naga UGs take part in elections for gaining access to political power for control of financial resources and just a  few for secession (percentage 10%), since it is personality based and viewed differently at different occasions with different angles.

But as analyst of security situation I can well say there is no secession threat vigorous anymore as it was in sixties prior to creation of Nagaland. If one really  moves with events w/o partiality , 1st Dec 1963 was a gala red letter  day in Naga  socio politics; Naga Hills territories were added by strangulating the rights of Cacharis, detaching Dimapur from  their hereditary  rights & claims  and No political leader could go beyond that  from  then onwards other than Hebron camp established further in Cachari domains  in Anaki forests  which  created ripples amongst some Naga tribes later.

Since creation of 16th State of India (1963) as Nagaland, signing of Shillong Accord 1975 and declaration of Ceasefire (indefinite) since over a year back, it can be safely surmised that arrangements for final settlement around more autonomy, economic package, tax holidays etc., may  come through brushing aside other fallouts of Ceasefire in operation  like no bar on  UGs  collecting taxes  as was done prior to 1997 and this is the most devastating element for Naga societies, State Governments and the business/ trading communities, if prolonged peace talks are not settled candidly.

Despite of this, central point of dispute hinges around Nagalim or NO Nagalim, Manipur situation is made clear. Arunachal,   Khonsa - Chinglang affects defense strategies  of India because of  Ledo ( Stillwell)  road being a National Highway for ULFA, NSCN(K),UNLF,BODO insurgents, Khalistanis ( dormant though but bubbling) struggling at times and may be side parleys for  Maoists extremists too to  Yunnan for all purposes - drugs, weapons, training  &  hiding  with functional control under  KIA(Kachin Independent Army) Brigades.

So the  Wanchoos – Noctes are a Naga race or otherwise stands  immaterial to the highest  echelons of Armed Forces  mandated  the Defense  responsibilities of India who have always sacrificed  & will be  sacrificing their lives for ensuring the  territorial integrity of the Nation in face of the  assertiveness of China in current Asia Pacific operatives which is well beyond the perceptions of average North Easterner.

Muivah is at disadvantage on the following counts;
(a) He is continuously at work to dismember Manipur which is not in overall interest of India notwithstanding issue giving a simplistic look as desire of one particular race staying under one administrative umbrella.
(b) He has issued execution orders against a number of known Manipuri's (Nagas & others as well)  hence is guilty in the eyes of the law operative in Manipur or even if Nagalim is created.
(c) Threat of issue of arrest warrants against him issued by Govt. of Manipur has not been withdrawn as yet. If Ningshen can be arrested for a crime perpetrated or committed by him why can't he be arrested?

In view of the above if he is denied permission by Govt. of Manipur on grounds  to be prosecuted under  law  of the Indian Constitution, why he should not be allowed free access to visit his birth place i.e., Somdal (Manipur)  which is also guaranteed under the  fundamental right guaranteed by the same Constitution . However modality can differ.  Govt. of Manipur must reconsider its decision in disallowing him to visit Manipur.

If there is a threat to his personal  safety or inability to provide police force for road move protection, arrangements may be made for his visit to SOMDAL by  special Helicopter under Central Security team to be charted by State Govt. This will be honourable gesture by Govt. of Manipur to a very important person in Manipur History till honourable solution to solve Naga tangle is thrashed out by Pandey- GK Pillai & H'ble Home Minister Shri. P. Chidambaram.

Visits to Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel should not fall under the present arrangements as contemplated by the centre as 'mischief behind curtain' can not go below board. He has already met all the meaningful leaders from Manipur at Hebron Camp on 21st March and interacted with them. The author also attended his hearing at Hebron on 21st March. 

And  I was surprised when  he was prevailed  upon  by Manipuri Nagas to speak  in Manipuri language which  was  mother tongue and not Nagamese with which  they  had less acquaintance . This also answers many questions on territorial integrity of Manipur. Are there any listeners on my side? 'Mother and Mother Land is greater than even heaven' is the eternal vedic thought.

Isn't it another wonder when some elements enjoying autonomy – freedom in a Sovereign Republic governed by a Constitution go to foreign elements to first destroy the existing sovereignty and then seek sovereignty – may be with strings.

I have not lost hope- East is known for WISDOM & wisdom will keep on rising. Let Almighty prevail on 'those who matter' may be Hill or Valley rebels to give that peace to Manipur- India from the East. Muivah has birth right to visit his homeland Somdal. Government must arrange by any means.