Who Will Wink ?

Robert Lanky *

A man of strong version and clear vision, no nonsense on the matter of internal security, Mr P Chidambaram was recently in news because of his statements in public: "Limited mandate on internal security'. His own colleagues, Mr Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh have also not taken his statement well.

But, despite having all odds against him, when he came to the Northeast on 25 May made himself crystal clear that; there will be no talk with any insurgent group in Nagaland, Manipur or in Assam until 'they lay down their arms and leave the demand of Sovereignty'.

While addressing the 'Unified Command Meeting' he replied to the various queries and said; State CMs to decide on behalf of the people of the state and start the process of talks with any group. When he was asked about situation at Mao-Gate and suffering of people of Manipur, he did not comment anything but said, "situation is improving".

He wants to resolve the issue through state CMs. Current stalemate and deadlock at Mao-Gate due to which people of Manipur including Nagas in Manipur are facing the hardship is leading nowhere but creating the rift between two states and communities. Many organizations including Congress party led delegation from Nagaland had gone to Manipur to resolve the crisis and to find out the reasonable solution but to no avail.

Muivah who is adamant on his part to go to Somdal, only by doing road show is still at Viswema and Mr O Ibobi Singh on the other side not ready to allow him to visit, blaming: Muivah's visit has got 'hidden agenda'. The situation has come where people of Manipur are left at the 'Mercy of God'.

Restoration of supplies through NH-53 to Manipur is like a "drop in the ocean". Though; as per Home Minister, "Situation is improving in Manipur". Mr O Ibobi Singh has regained his popularity despite his govt not being able to contain insurgency, closure of schools, killings & extortion in last few years. Mao-Gate incident has become "blessing in disguise" for him.

In Nagaland, Muivah who earlier did not enjoy the support of other tribes like Angami and Ao, is believed to have got their extended support. Naga Hoho (which represent seven tribes out of sixteen in the state) has openly been in support of NSCN (IM) and gone overboard to criticize NSCN (K) the rival faction of NSCN (IM). Though, later they tried to resolve but their on and off statement given in support of NSCN (IM) has irked NSCN (K).

Media has been reporting that indirect support of Mr Nepheu Rio is available to Muivah. On the basis of anonymity people from govt department have been criticizing CM of Nagaland about his calling on to Muivah, who is branded as UG leader in the state and country as well. They said, "Why Rio has made this move as a political head (CM) of the state?

Many people have also criticized his statement that: 'Extortion in the state will only end when cadres of UGs group are paid monthly stipend" and also about Mao-Gate, "Govt of India (MHA) should apologize Muivah for not fulfilling its promise for visit of Muivah to his village Somdal". By going through all these developments one could easily be convinced that Muivah clearly enjoys the direct or indirect support of Mr Nephu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and his government.

As per political and security experts; Muivah has regained his loosing ground in Nagaland but "can not be given such liberties to hold the people of other state at a ransom and play with their lives and humanity". They say, Govt of Nagaland in its own capacity must convince Muivah to withdraw from Mao Gate and let the people of Manipur (which includes Nagas) to have their right to live. He can postpone his visit to Somdal for his political gain.

Another point of contention by the people in and around Mao-Gate; there has been concentration of NSCN (IM) cadres for whom poor villagers of the area reportedly been cooking food and giving shelter are badly affected. Their families (females) are also finding difficult to carry on with daily routine due to the presence and behaviour of armed cadres of the outfit. Children too are mentally scared.

In Manipur, section of the people has been raising their voices and asking that why can't govt make NH-53 as NH-39? Why only during such crisis repair and maintenance of NH-53 is reminded? Why can't Manipur govt open up the trade or increase the trade with Myanmar by including the items like; Petroleum products, Medicines and essential items other than the permitted items being traded (40 items from Myanmar). This is the time and opportunity when Mr Okram Ibobi Singh should make an effort through Central Government to Myanmar to have a pact signed for other items and try to provide relief to the people.

Reports about the living condition of the Nagas in Manipur is also disturbing. It has been reported that in last few days all the supplies from Imphal to Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati has been stopped by the people of particular community. If so, then, one would say; this is very serious matter and govt must not let this kind of activities take place with in the state.

While interacting with one of the senior members of an NGO group of Manipur and Nagaland. (Peace Channel) I found that many people are sincerely making an effort to resolve the crisis. In this regard on 20-22nd May, a meeting between peace forum (Channel) of Manipur and Nagaland was organized at Guwahati. Approximately 100 prominent personalities were in attendance. But, due to lack of faith in each other they could not find any via media.

In the context of Muivah's visit members of Peace Channel had mentioned that: Muivah must consider postponing his visit on the name of people's lives and humanity. They say: by withdrawing from Viswema Muivah will not loose anything but definitely gain more support. His status in the Nagas of Manipur and Nagaland will be regarded as high as ever. Now, he should not push the situation to go to the extent from where, there is no point of return.

Resentment among the Manipuris is increasing day by day, shortage of supplies has forced them to struggle everyday. Vehicles are jacked up, public transports have gone off the road, house wives are blaming their husbands for their incapabilities, since they are not able to provide the LPG cylinders timely, reserve stock of food grains have also exhausted. Prices of vegetables are soaring sky high, young (kids) students are troubled since their school buses have stopped plying and parents are not able to drop them to the school because they are not getting enough petrol or diesel. In total 'situation in Manipur is alarming'.

People are confused and troubled. They don't know that, how long this situation is going to remain? Anger and hate for each other could be increasing day by day. Blame game is on and political setup in both the states are adamant. Muivah's attitude is reluctant. Humanity is under crisis; no one knows: what's going to happen? So many speculations are their but no one knows, "Who Will Wink First"?