Whatever that has happened to the ideas and prophets of "Inclusiveness"

Yurrin Shimrah *

Manipur Maps showing the different districts

Intellectual and academic discourse on social and political situation in Manipur seem to have reached the point of exhaustion, where analysts have no more insightful matters to share and discuss. But, the events that are unfolding every now and then are compelling us to revive the old debates and generate new questions that postulate some of the assumptions that have been made by numerous persons.

Not only in terms of real political antagonism, but also at the level of intellectual discourse, there have varying and oppositional standpoints on political situations in Manipur. The line being demarcated on ethno-nationalistic lines between Naga and Meitei intellectuals, and now young Kuki academicians have also joined the fray, bringing in their own baggage of agenda and discourses.

The interesting point is that, like their territorial map image of 'homeland' of these ethno-nationalists, the basis of their discourses are also opposed to one another. Nevertheless, the main point of divergence between the political projects of tribes in the hills and valley community, which some of the intellectuals have pointed out, is epitomized by the doctrine of 'exclusivity' and 'inclusiveness'.

By seeking to make their own way and established their own systems of administration, the political demands of tribes have simply been described as 'exclusive' in its goal and interest. However, by way of viewing the same issue from other side, for Naga scholars or intellectuals, or even for Kuki scholars, their political struggle is based on the quest for bringing 'justice' and 'liberation' from social and political dominations and discriminations that has besieged upon their society by stronger forces and historical circumstances.

From their standpoint, the term 'exclusive', like other categories and adjectives, is another imposition from 'outside' and does not explain the actual reality. However, if we compare and contrast the political doctrines being propounded by Meitei intelligentsia, the political projects of Nagas and Kukis may appear to be limited within their own kindred and ethnic lines, as they seek 'change' and separation from political systems being established.

On the other hand, the political ideas being propounded by Meitei activist and intelligentsia include all the communities and territories that have being historically considered as part of 'Manipur Kingdom'. If we looked into the similarities that can be found among the intellectuals from all the communities, their viewpoints seem to share certain commonalities, pertaining to the state of affairs in Manipur.

That politicians and political parties have done more harm against the interest of the people, and it needs to be changed. And, governing systems is mess, while rebel groups are indulging in unnecessary evils and destroying the political environments, although some of their goals are genuine: for some, their struggle and means are lost cause.

The idea of 'inclusiveness', where different communities live harmoniously side by side, is not only catchy and enticing, but also seem promising for the future of all the communities. However, if we look into the social and political history and situation in Manipur, it cannot be considered as the ideal roadmap as there are many grave areas to ponder. To begin with, such idea can never been freed from the political history of Manipur where Meitei Maharaja has used brute force to demand loyalties and allegiance from small villages and chiefs in the hills.

The argument that Manipur includes both the Hills and Valleys, and cannot exist without one seems actually silly and childish from certain viewpoint. Economically and practically such ideology may be relevant, but in real political terms, such postulations only leads to the assumptions that these propaganda are entrenched with the intention of strengthening the ideology of domination. To make the concept relevant, new idioms and terms of political relationships between various communities have to be formulated. However, on the other hand, what we find is extensive writings against other communities and research works are done

The major questions for the ideas and prophets of 'inclusiveness' is: why there is continuing discord and violence amongst various communities in Manipur, when they are living under the same system. If ever the idea of 'pluralism' and cohesiveness can be practiced and achieved in Manipur, it could have and would have already been done. For the most part of post-colonial era when we were introduced to democratic norms, leaving 2000 years of history aside, the situation in Manipur has gone from bad to worst.

And, Manipur is a state that has experienced numerous communal violence, where every major community has been involved. No matter how much Meitei intelligentsia may argue, they need to be thankful that being a state under Indian Union is only keeping Manipur intact, otherwise it would have been fragmented long ago. Despite the fact that Meiteis control the state machinery, it is a pity that the policies being implemented and functioning of the state have only led to frictions between communities.

The sporadic incidents of protest and violence, and intimidations towards the minority communities have clearly indicated that the ideas of 'inclusiveness' may actually be just an idea, but not be practiced in everyday life and followed by people who are supposed to show through examples. Some of the case points are: the reactions of Meitei public on the killing of Thingnam Kisen, assault on Momoko, and various similar instances.

The idea of justice and political projects has not gone hand in hand in the dominant community's scheme of things. Finally, the event that took place in Silent Village is case point where idea of inclusiveness cannot be considered as 'practicable' in actual terms. Not only the minorities in Valley are being subjected to extreme case of communal violence, but also made to feel that they are not welcomed in the Valley: the idea that Valley belongs exclusively to particular community being asserted is coming to the fore.

And, what is alarming is the silence that has been maintained by the prophets of 'inclusiveness' when such deviations happens in actual world, which in varied ways not only questions their assumptions, but also have destroyed the doctrines that they preached night and day.