Uneasy calm in state after imposition of PR
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: February 19, 2025 -

WITH each passing day it is getting clearer that resignation of N Biren Singh as the chief minister and subsequent imposition of the President’s Rule wouldn’t be bringing an end to the conflict situation any time soon taking into account that leaders and civil society organisations of both the warring communities are showing no signs of softening their respective stand.

Nevertheless, in their endeavour to expedite return of peace in the state Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had already held meetings with authorities of security forces and top civil officers while chief secretary PK Singh visited Churachandpur district headquarters to take stock of the prevailing law and order situation in the district from where the violence first began.

Though it is obvious that finding an amicable solution to the crisis would be a time-consuming exercise, it is heartening to note that there has been no ethnic violence ever since the state was brought under the central rule.

As containing fresh outbreak of violence is crucial in encouraging representatives of the warring communities to come to the negotiating table, it is hoped that the Governor and the chief secretary would not only continue to reach out to the crisis affected people but also bring on board the neutral communities to don the role as the meditators, for prolonging the conflict would only create serious problems for all sections of the society.

It is also imperative that the Governor, or any responsible officials, regularly update the central authorities on the ground situation as well as grievances/complaints received from the aggrieved parties so as to enable those in the corridor of power in New Delhi to chalk up strategies for restoring peace in the state.

Amid the commendable efforts being made by the Governor and the chief secretary, one can’t undermine the remarks of former chief justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice Siddharth Mridul that the judgment of the Court in April, 2023 was not the cause of the crisis in the state but it acted as a catalyst.

In an interview with the BBC, the retired justice reflected on factors that led to the violence, the role of external and internal forces, and the challenges in restoring normalcy in the state.

The road to peace might be filled with various obstacles, but successfully neutralising the diabolic intentions of the external to keep Manipur on the boil would impress the general population about high possibility of restoring peace and proper resettlement of the displaced families.

Similarly, the state’s administrators must accord importance to the points raised by both the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity and the Churachandpur-based Zomi Council.

Though the demands and proposals placed by the two organisations differed sharply, the suspension of operation agreement signed by the state and central governments with Kuki armed outfits finding mention in the memorandums submitted signify that addressing complicity of SoO signatories in the on-going violence should top priority of the government authorities.

Thus, it is recommended that the authorities minutely examine contents of the said agreement and initiate appropriate measures and action to ensure full compliance by the signatories with the terms and conditions prescribed, failing which it is quite possible that the deep-rooted tensions in the state will continue to simmer and even result in fresh clashes between the heavily armed communities.