TODAY -

Time for Modi-Shah duo to ink the final pact

Dr Th Suresh Singh *



This 65 yr-old problem has given a lot of hiccup in the past. Now and then hope followed by despair is the craft of this parley. In the meantime, we the people, are hoping against hope that the problem is nearing a solution. But, at the last moment, delusion is the last trait disappointing many people in the region. The talk has continued for the last 23 years.

As far as my State of Manipur is concerned, it is to be made very clear in the final deal that Manipur integrity in any form - geographical, administrative, political, social and ethnical- is not touched upon or disturbed. Manipur’s fate be left to the Manipuris.

What I visualise as a critical observer is : i) Manipur geographical boundary will not be touched upon. This has been assured by PM Modi himself in his 3 visits here. There is no reason to disbelieve him ii) some form of Autonomic District Council is to be granted to the Naga-inhibited areas under 6th Schedule or some other crafted laws.

This is the catch. It seems that Shah was not briefed properly in his talks with Civil Societies/ by Manipur Govt./Opposition parties. It further seems Interlocutor RN Ravi to be ignorant about this vital aspect in spite of his many plus points.

I will shorten this point- if the Centre grants some form of Naga Territorial Council under 6th Schedule or any enacted law, other ethnic groups, especially vocal Kuki groups in the hills, will demand the same as they are in a majority in many areas. The Centre and the State have to sit on this fire. And, what about the valley ? You will grant facility to the hills and nothing to the valley ?

Manipuris will continue to blame the Centre for its “divide and rule” policy between the valley and hill. The same is introduced by the British in 1907 by introducing “ Rules of the Management of Manipur” after the defeat of Manipur in the Anglo-Manipuri War.

As far as COCOMI (Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity), an apex body of many organisations is concerned, their stand was communicated to HM, Governor and CM on 22nd September last year and in the meeting with Amit Shah at Delhi on 25 November last year. The takeaway is-all Manipuris are against ethnic division.

The solution lies in bringing a consensus by discussing with, we the people, of this vital aspect. The mantra be – ‘bring a consensus with all stakeholders’ and avoid the famous 14th June 2001 incident of Bangkok Ceasefire Agreement of Vajpayee Government when Manipur burnt with the death of 18 people, destroying Assembly building, humiliating MPs/MLAs etc.

The day is observed as the “Great June Uprising” by Manipuri Civil societies. Manipuris are not forgetting this incidence; they are not going to forget it in future either. The bone of contention was - the word “without territorial limit” included in the ceasefire agreement. By this very phrase, Manipuris took that the State was included as a part of Nagaland. That is it.

Fortunately and showing maturity, Vajpayee withdrew the offending words subsequently. During Congress CM Ibobi’s tenure, NSCN (IM) supremo T Muivah was also not allowed to inter his birthplace village at Ukhrul district of Manipur in spite of repeated efforts by the Mandaris at the Centre. I am only highlighting this emotional scenario between Manipuris and NSCN (IM) so that Amit Shah is well prepared.

Manipur history not exposed properly : The unfortunate part is - Manipuri historians/intellectuals and outside historians are not able to present the true perspective of Manipur. Hence, those sitting at Delhi are ignorant about this hidden history. We have at least 33 officially recognised tribes; if smaller tribes are included, the total comes to around 40.

Manipur boundary : By virtue of our great campaigner Maharaj Gambhir Singh who undertook his famous Naga campaign in 1833, Manipur boundary was extended up to the present Assam plain. Kohima and surrounding odd 34 villages were under him. In 1835, the forest land between Doyen and Dhunsiri river was declared as boundary between Manipur and Assam (Nagaland was not born as yet).

This is in British records as agreed to by Captain Jerkins and Captain Pemberton. Any interested person can find this in many British books/write-ups. In layman’s term, the southern portion of Naga Hills was Manipur’s North-West boundary.

The area continued to be Manipur’s when it handed it free to Lord Northbrook, the Viceroy of India in a Darbar Meeting on 11th August 1874 held onboard the Viceroy’s yacht. This meeting is famously known as Jiri Darbar after the Jiri District of Kachar (Silchar).

In fact, the Viceroy was requesting the Manipuri King for transfer of only 1,000 sq. km of land at Thibomei (Present Kohima) to establish a British trade centre there. The king handed over the whole Kohima and surrounding villages conquered by his famous father Gambhir Singh. How noble (or one can call, how foolish) he was.

Thus Manipur lost its boundary of the southern portion of Naga hills after 40 years of occupation. Had these areas remained under Manipur, Nagas and present Manipur would have remained as brethren peacefully and with prosperity.

I am only highlighting this so that our Naga brethren knew the sacrifices Manipuris did and not to reclaim it. Since 1200 AD, the present Manipur boundary stood as it is now and NSCN (IM)’s demand for Greater Nagalim has no relevance vis-a-vis Manipur is concerned.

Present parley : The jig-jag continues with Ravi insisting on signing without a separate flag and Constitution and Muivah and company insisting on the same. It is a matter of chess game now. Ravi’s message is very clear- there shall be only one National flag and Constitution in India.

He added that common understanding has been reached on all the issues on the table and conclusion of talks on October 31, 2019 and people of Nagaland are ready for a new dawn. There are some people who are standing as “a roadblock” to the aspirations of the people of Nagaland (Hindustan Times). In another press release NSCN (IM) stated that Ravi should “not bite off more than he can chew.”

However, according to V Horam, executive member of the NSCN(IM)’s steering committee, they have made their position very clear to the GOI and are now waiting for draft peace resolution in writing from the GOI. According to Horam, 35 rounds of talks were held between August and October this year.

NSCN (IM)’s demand continues to be greater geographical area from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Manipur with a separate flag and Constitution (The Print). Horam is very optimistic about their demands.

But, according to another group, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), an umbrella body of other 7 rebel outfits which joined the talks in 2017, negotiations held between August and October this year are “insignificant”...all negotiations have been done and everything is in black and white...besides altering a few words here and there, Government cannot alter anything that we have mutually agreed upon (The Print).

3 Agreements in last 6 year : For the common people and writers like me, we have 3 Agreements- 1st one of 2015 signed between PM Modi and NSCN (IM), the 2nd one on 31 October 2019 between Ravi and all stakeholders (including NSCN IM) and the 3rd one between GOI and IM on August and October this year i.e. 35 rounds of talks mentioned above.

It is all confusing and unproductive at the end, all in the last 6 years of Modi rule, just like who is who in the dictionary. Time is running out. Modi has done many good things for the N-E Region, far better than previous Governments. I at least expect another cap to PM Modi by solving this vexed problem for the entire NE region and giving a gift before the coming Holi at the latest.


* Dr Th Suresh Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on January 04 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025