Why play the Divide and Rule policy ?

Deepa Khomdram *

Students rally in Ukhrul demanding "Alternative Arrangement" on 25th November 2011 :: Pix - Jimmy Leivon

The demand of Greater Nagalim which has been branded as the "Ethnic Turf War" still continues unabated. Anti-social activities are on the run to make themselves heard by the GOI. Many claims have been made based on indistinct historical specifics and quoting articles of the Constitution. You speak of Physical Integration.

What kind of physical integration are you demanding? There are groups of Nagas who have settled down in various parts of the country. How will you physically integrate with them? Will you demand for another Greater Nagalim or a Smaller Nagalim or whatever?

Instigating and inciting communal feelings among the ethnic communities in Manipur, Muivah has, so far, been successful in his attempt in creating tumult in and around Manipur.

A clear cut demarcation has already been made among those people residing in the hills and those in the valleys by those who have been supporting the call for Naga integration. Quoting articles after articles of the Indian Constitution, creating mayhem in the State, the demand for Nagalim has been continuing.

In every speech, the youths are provoked and encouraged to take up arms and rise up but ironically, the message is being conveyed in the Manipuri language! “Manipuri Naga” is the term that is always used to project the demands. They seem to have forgotten that they are a Manipuri first and then a Naga.

Their claim of not being Manipuri but Manipuri Naga is satirical. The Meitei community has been held responsible for the disparity forgetting that the line of difference, belittling their own community, has been created by their own prejudiced thoughts.

But fellow brethrens have you ever sat back and thought how feasible is the cause? Have you ever questioned your inner conscience without being influenced by others? Calling for integration blatantly with distorted historical facts, how long do you think that will last?

In the name of patriotism, many atrocities and crimes have been committed. How will you justify those unforgivable misdeeds? Is blatantly shouting at the top of your voice claiming that you will cut the lifeline of the people of Manipur, like a foolish child adamantly throwing tantrums to buy him toy, a thoughtful approach?

If you recall, NSCN was a revolution that started with a certain set of principles from which the organization sidetracked itself. When and how did their cause shift from the demand of nationhood to the demand of the integration of all the Nagas in Manipur? This is something that demands a clarification?

When the NSCN-IM was formed, many Naga communities rejected it. And to forcibly take over and suppress the communities, Muivah resorted to killing the leaders of those communities that condemned him and his organisation ever since has been forming Government after Government like tossing a coin.

In an effort to hold the rein of power, they have entirely overlooked the history of Manipur. They have forgotten that the first CM of Manipur was a Muslim and the longest serving CM of Manipur in the history of Manipur politics was Rishang Keishing, who is a Manipuri Naga (as being called).

In addition, the first President of the revolutionary group UNLF was Kalalung Kamei, undoubtedly a Manipuri Naga again and the Vice President was Thankhopao Singsit, a kuki. So stop singling out the Meitei Community and spreading hatred across the state. It would be wise on your part to realize that even the Meiteis are also suffering in the hands of the corrupt politicians. It is not just you who is bearing the brunt!

It is already well known to everyone now that all the said organizations want is attention to create fear among the people so that they can suppress everyone. This is a fact which goes without questioning after seeing the activities and crimes they have committed so far. The demand which has been made is not feasible yet hue and cries have been raised adamantly forcing hot-blooded youths to commit incomprehensible crimes.

Every child in the city, who barely knows how to speak, knows NSCN (IM) and Muivah. Your desire to make a place in history has been fulfilled. History will reflect you as the Judas of Modern Manipur, the Black Sheep in the Community as a whole. Now that you have got what you want stop blabbering foolishly and making illegitimate demands.

Your forceful conversion of other communities to your supporters is not going to last long. So before the people belonging to different community and ethnicity get fed up and turn against you to bestow you a dog’s death, it would be best to cease all of your nefarious activities and do something for the society to encourage peaceful co-existence.

And yes this is the only way to offer your atonement for the innumerous deplorable crimes you have been committing continuously. All of us are sailing in the same boat with a certainty that the boat might sink any time without any warning.

So why play the sickening divide and rule policy? I might sound like I am generalizing the whole issue from my narrow point of view but what more could be drawn from the deeds that have been done so far?