Overcoming collective grief: Who cares for Manipur ?

Yenning *

Collective grief, the shared sorrow experienced by a group of individuals in response to a common loss or tragedy, has been a recurring aspect of human history. Societies, whether grappling with wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or pandemics, have faced the challenge of overcoming collective grief and finding a path towards healing.

Manipur, situated in the northeastern part of India, unfortunately, has had its share of collective grief due to ongoing violence, with over 60,000 people internally displaced and more than 200 lives lost. The most recent heartbreak occurred on December 4, 2023, when 13 young unarmed Meiteis, the majority of them internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in relief camps, were massacred by Kuki narco-terrorists at Leithao in Tengnoupal district.

Manipur is yet to overcome this profound grief, and time may prove to be the best healer. However, history has shown the resilience of human communities in the face of such losses, and Yenning wishes to share a few examples with our readers.

The devastation of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of nations. Societies emerging from the ashes of war faced the immense task of rebuilding. Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel encapsulated the collective spirit of resilience, stating, "The opposite of love is not hate; it's indifference". This sentiment emphasizes the need for active engagement with collective grief, a poignant reminder that acknowledgment and remembrance are vital in the healing process.

The Nuremberg Trials, which held perpetrators accountable for war crimes, reinforced the idea that justice and acknowledgment are crucial components of overcoming collective grief. Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson highlighted this when he asserted, "That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury, stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captive enemies to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power has ever paid to Reason". In seeking justice, the international community aimed to prevent the cycle of violence and foster a collective commitment to rebuilding and reconciliation.

The dismantling of apartheid in South Africa was a monumental moment in history, accompanied by collective grief over the injustices of racial segregation. Nelson Mandela, a key figure in the fight against apartheid, emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation: "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies". Mandela's words highlight the transformative power of forgiveness in the face of collective grief, paving the way for a more harmonious future.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, played a crucial role in acknowledging the pain of the past and facilitating national healing. Tutu's words, "Without forgiveness, there's no future," encapsulate the idea that overcoming collective grief requires not only acknowledging historical wrongs but actively working towards reconciliation and a shared vision of a better future.

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic showcased both the fragility of human life and the strength of collective resilience. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a prominent figure in the fight against the pandemic, emphasized the importance of unity: "We are all in this together, and we will get through this together". The pandemic emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity, reinforcing the idea that overcoming collective grief requires a collaborative effort on a global scale.

The pandemic also highlighted the significance of scientific collaboration and solidarity. The rapid development and distribution of vaccines showcased what can be achieved when nations come together to confront a common threat. The global response to the pandemic serves as a testament to the power of collective action in overcoming shared challenges.

India, birthed by partition with accompanying blood, violence, and rape, has witnessed profound collective grief due to terrorist attacks apart from wars fought with China and Pakistan. The Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, commonly referred to as 26/11, stand as a stark reminder of the impact of terrorism on a nation's collective psyche. As the city grappled with the loss of lives and the scars of the attack, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized resilience, stating, "We will take the strongest possible measures to ensure that there is no repetition of such terrorist acts". This exemplifies the resolve needed to overcome collective grief by fostering security measures and a united front against terrorism.

The resilience of the Indian spirit was further evident in the aftermath of the 2001 Parliament attack. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement, "The entire nation should unitedly face the enemy," underscores the importance of unity in overcoming grief caused by acts of terror. Then came the Pulwama terrorist attack on February 14, 2019. A convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force personnel as well as the perpetrator, Adil Ahmad Dar.

The Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stated, "Your blood boils at what happened". He promised that those behind the attack would "pay a very heavy price for their actions". Earlier in 2016, Modi commanded "surgical strikes" across the heavily militarized frontier that separates Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir after militants attacked an Indian army base near the town of Uri in Kashmir, killing 19 Indian soldiers. The Pulwama incident galvanized the nation, leading to increased security measures and a collective determination to combat terrorism.

Unfortunately, Manipur, a northeastern state in India, is currently facing a wave of violence, with more than 60,000 Indian soldiers, including the army, paramilitary forces, and central police personnel, deployed to contain the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. Kuki militants are roaming free, wielding sophisticated weapons, attacking Meitei villages, and killing Meitei civilians at will.

In short, Indian forces have struggled to rein in the Kuki terrorists, perhaps because Kuki militants have inked a Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact with the Government of India since 2008. The recent massacre of 13 unarmed Meiteis is a case in point.

India's response to this situation has been relatively muted, possibly because the entire nation is not directly affected. It is not a collective national grief; it predominantly affects Manipur. Joan Didion's words resonate in this context: "Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it". For Manipuris, suffering has been a collective experience, and they have walked a long road.

The present violence is just a milestone in their historical march as a civilization. Didion poignantly reflects the universal nature of grief and how it is an uncharted territory until one is forced to confront it. Her seminal work, "The Year of Magical Thinking," propelled by personal losses, captures the collective experience of navigating the unfamiliar landscape of sorrow.

She is right when she says, "A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty". The loss of one person can profoundly impact an individual, creating a sense of emptiness that extends beyond the personal realm to encompass the broader world.

Throughout the annals of history, humanity has confronted collective grief, spanning the spectrum from individual communities to entire nations. There is the universal truth that overcoming such shared sorrow demands a multifaceted approach: an acknowledgment of the pain, the nurturing of unity, and a collective commitment to a shared vision of healing and renewal.

As we grapple with the challenges of the present and navigate the uncertainties of the future, these historical lessons emerge as guiding lights, beacons of hope. They remind us that, in the face of even the most profound collective sorrows, the indomitable qualities of resilience and solidarity possess the transformative power to triumph over adversity.

However, the question that looms over Manipur, echoing in the winds of uncertainty, remains unanswered: "Who cares?" In the midst of ongoing losses, mounting sorrows, and accumulated pains, the people of Manipur find themselves seeking solace and justice. The wounds inflicted by violence and tragedy persist, and the healing process seems elusive. Perhaps, as time unfolds its enigmatic tapestry, the balm of time will offer a measure of relief and healing.

Yet, the unresolved nature of Manipur's plight serves as a stark reminder that not all wounds heal with time alone. It beckons to us to re-evaluate our collective responsibilities, urging a more pro-active engagement with the pain and suffering faced by communities in the throes of ongoing turmoil. The poignant question of "Who cares?" becomes a call to action, prompting us to reflect on the collective responsibility we bear for the well-being and healing of communities facing prolonged adversity.

In acknowledging the unresolved nature of Manipur's challenges, we are prompted to recognize the limitations of time as a sole healer. It becomes imperative to advocate for justice, to stand in solidarity, and to actively engage with the process of healing. The unanswered question becomes an invitation to introspection, challenging us to channel our empathy into tangible actions that contribute to the restoration of normalcy and peace.

As we draw inspiration from the historical examples and quotations shared, let us not forget the pressing need to address the ongoing struggles faced by communities like Manipur. The resilience and solidarity demonstrated by nations in the past should motivate us to extend our compassion and support to those currently grappling with collective grief.

The human spirit's remarkable capacity to rise above grief, rebuild, and forge a path towards a brighter future should guide our collective efforts to answer the question that echoes through Manipur's tumultuous history: "Who cares?" We, as a global community, must care, and our actions must echo our commitment to a shared humanity that stands united against injustice and in favor of healing and renewal.