Circumstances that stir Sadar hills movement in 2011
- Part 2 -

Tonghen Kipgen *

Economic Blockade imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee on August 14 2011 :: Pix - Jimmy Leivon

D. The opposing stand of Kacha Nagas:

Before the commencement of the second phase of the movement, the SHDDC timely approached the leaders of UNC and NPO on 25th July 2011 with letters of appeal for mutual understanding and cooperation. In our letters of appeal, we clearly pointed out that....time has now come for our unity and unflagging journey toward attaining justice from bondage and subjugation in the hands of the one that has seized our rights..…. all of us would require in protecting our human dignity. We wish that our good judgement prevailed over all odds, difficulties and stand with us. We strongly believe that granting complete districthood to Sadar Hills will surely be an advantage in protecting our tribal lands.

The Kacha Nagas (Nagas of Manipur) are however, like a problem mongers and opportunists who are in search of any pretext to create problems, even on trivial issues so as to draw attention to their desperate movements from the so-called sovereignty to State, Union territory to hill State and ultimately and reluctantly to alternative arrangement, the opportunity of which was provided to them during the Sadar Hills movement. The version of the UNC and ANSAM "....districts would not be created by means of curving out/cutting parts of Nagas' land in the State... Government should not pursue policies and plans to bring differences among the tribal in Manipur" is however an explicit attack to the Government of Manipur tantamount to an assertion that Naga areas belong to the Nagas and not of Manipur. Ironically, there was none even from the Valley community to contradict and confront their provoking statement.

The opposing stance of the Kacha Nagas of Manipur under the banner of UNC (United Naga Council) and ANSAM (All Naga Students Association of Manipur) is however, a blessing in disguise in the movement for Sadar Hills. Had not they made unscrupulous press statements against the issue the movement might not be at its height. As they are warmongers who perhaps, consider Sadar Hills as something inconsistent with the demand for Nagalim, their purportedstancetwisted certain revolutionary mind-sets and ethnic minded people of the Valley ostensibly in favour of the movement.

Though the Manipur Nagas' opposition to Sadar Hills districthood purportedly impeded its conversion into a full-fledged district, it rather helps in gaining wider publicity and becomes a unifying force for the people aspiring for justice that helped the movement gain momentum. As such the SHDDC never retorted the opposing stance of the KachaNagas rather expressed gratitude that they are helping the movement in one way. Nonetheless, the KachaNagas are well aware that so long as the Kukis oppose their political movement they will never achieve their political goal.

E. Repressive measures of the StateGovernment:

In applying their usual evil and suppressive motives against any sort of public peaceful movements, the StateGovernment of Manipur imposed Section 144 CrPC in Sadar Hills since the initial phase of agitation. In the Cabinet meeting held on 9th September 2011, the cabinet adopted a decision to deploy more forces along National Highways in Manipur and also increase the strength of security that escorts the goods carriers. In another meeting on September 13, 2011 the State Cabinet of Manipur ordered the State forces to take tough measures, to file FIR against SHDDC (Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee) leaders and arrest them. However, such repressive measures to suppress the public and arrest their leaders were warmly welcomed by the irked Sadar Hills Women Union (SHWU).

In their press Statement, the SHWU retorted that such coercive methods of the Government are the manifestation of their evil design to suppress the movement by force and not in the table. They vowed to withstand any action by the security forces and to ensure that no leader is beingarrested, and even to sacrifice for the safety of their leaders. In an unflinching support to their leaders, Mrs NeinuKipgen, a woman leader of Gamgiphai Sub-Committee proclaimed in a meeting at Gamgiphaithat 'the moment a leader is arrested there will be unrest in Manipur' and cautioned the public to be ready to swarm all police pickets in Sadar Hills region.

In an unprecedented security arrangement, the Government had issued orders on 21st Sept. 2011 for sector wise deployment of its armed forces with the SSPs (Senior Superintendent of Police) and COs (Commanding Officers) on ROP (Road Opening Party) duty all along the National Highway 37. As per the orders, Addl.SP of Jiribam is over all in-charge from Jiribam to Makru, a distance of 31 kms., CO 5/MR; Makru to Oinamlong (20 kms), CO 7/IRB; Oinamlong to Kaimai (14kms), CO 6/IRB; Kaimai to Barak (16kms), CO 8/IRB; Barak to Kambiron (6kms), CO 2/IRB; Kambiron to Nungba (12kms), CO 4/IRB; Nungba to Khongsang (15kms), CO 1/IRB; Khongsang to Irang (9kms), CO 3/IRB; Irang to Awangkhul (20kms), Deputy CO 7/IRB; Awangkhul to Noney (20kms), CO 2/IRB; Noney to Tupul (9kms), CO 8/MR; Tupul to Kotlien (22kms) and SSP of Imphal West; Kotlien to Keithelmanbi (12kms). To give more teeth, the forces were also ordered to be equipped with anti-riot equipment.

In view of the mass participation in the movement and in apprehension to any violent reprisal, the Government on September 17, 2011 issued an order whereby all holders of arms in Sadar Hills were given notice to deposit their arms to the nearest Police Station immediately. But toa great surprise, as reported by the District Police, only less than ten arms were deposited which implies the general public did not heed the Government's illogical orders.

Such forms of relying on utilising force and intimidation to subdue a people's democratic movement instead of an amicable settlement on the table rather annoyed the public. It only created a trust-deficit between the people and the Government. However, the suppressive measures of the Government of Manipur rather helped the movement to become more vigorous and valiant.

F. Immediate outburst of the movement:

Dr A.R. Desai has rightly pointed out regarding the rise of political movements in India that, "the political and economic discontent of the Indian people which had been gathering steadily, especially after 1870, almost threatened to reach an explosive point by 1883". The Sadar Hills movement of 2011 was the result of the culmination of popular discontentment that had built up for a long time against the different and indifferent policies pursued by the Government of Manipur. What was needed for the resented people to rise as one was only a lit to kindle.

The death of 3 (three) volunteers who were rammed by blockade defying speeding trucks on 2nd August 2011 at Damdei-Taloulong along NH-39 kindled the spark that lit the candle that led to immediate imposition of indefinite general strikes in Sadar Hills. The corpses/dead bodies were taken in a solemn procession of thousands of Sadarians from Charhazare to Kangpokpi ADC office. SoSMemorandum was submitted through the Addl. Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi to the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Manipur. With this episode the people need no more encouragement, motivation or mobilisation.

Every denizen of Sadar Hills was then sentimental and furious at the Government's indifferent attitude and stirred themselves to sacrifice their mite and even their life, if needed. Enraged Sadarians burnt down six Government offices; around ten vehicles had been torched along NH-2 and 37 on the second day of the indefinite general strike. Volunteers also set afire the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, SSA building and PHED office located at Kangpokpi. The office buildings of the SDO/BDO and DI of Schools at Gamnom Saparmeina were also burnt to ashes by the irate strike supporters.

One staunch supporter of the movement daringly declared in the presence of the media on 4th August 2011 that "we have taken the pledge to face any eventuality in order to realize our demand for the creation of Sadar Hills ADC into a full-fledge district of Manipur"(HueiyenLanpao 5/8/11). He might be the only one who had the opportunity to proclaim his feelings but there are innumerable thousands who are really committed to 'do or die'.

Concluded...