Visible actions under new regime
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 03, 2025 -

REGARDLESS of objections being raised from certain sections of the society, imposition of the President's Rule with effect from February 13 seems to be bringing notable improvement in the law and order situation if one takes into account swift action taken to round up disruptive elements across the state and semblance of tranquillity in the last few days.

Amid calls from diverse sections of the population to free the national highways from the clutches of elements seemingly hell-bent on prolonging the conflict situation, union home minister Amit Shah directing security forces to clear the highways of all obstacles during the first meeting held after the imposition of President's Rule in the state, would be under intense scrutiny as similar attempts made in the past to sanitise the lifelines lacked the much-needed urgency.

Unlike in the past when steps taken to free the highways were seen as cosmetic measures Amit Shah setting March 8 as the deadline to ensure free movement of people on all roads in the state, and warning of strict action against any attempts to create obstructions will hopefully have the desired outcome and help convince the people that the central government is committed to restoring lasting peace in the violence-hit state.

Moreover, the recent dismantling of unauthorised bunkers in between Kangpokpi district and removal of similar structures from the hill ranges on March 1, a day after the Kongba Maru shrine came under firing from the said hill ranges, underscore that the Governor of Manipur with the full backing of the centre wouldn't relent from taking firm action as and when necessary.

Continuous surrender of illegal weapons, including those looted from the police armouries in the initial stages of the Kuki-Meetei conflict also demonstrates that the people of the state have trust in the Governor in finding solution to the nearly two years old problem and believe that the violence would be effectively contained.

Compared to slackness on the part of both state and central security forces in tackling unlawful activities and elements prior to imposition of the President's Rule the last few days after dismissal of the so-called popular government, has seen the men in uniform taking appropriate action, be it in rounding up of extorters, recovering of illegal weapons or destroying of poppy plantations across the state.

Thus, as mentioned in this column earlier, the people may no longer yearn for reinstatement of the democratic form of governance in case the new regime could ensure security to life and properties of the masses.

While it is obvious that proper resettlement of all the internally displaced persons would take time, it is recommended that the administration start arrangement for the violence-affected families to return to their ancestral homes, wherever feasible through not only deployment of security personnel in adequate strength but also with a firm directive to retaliate befittingly in case of any misdemeanour by any of the warring communities.

As inaction by security personnel in the initial days of the conflict is being cited as the root cause for spread of the violence, the government should ensure that there is no leniency this time in dealing with the miscreants as the faintest hint of complacency would only lead to suspicion about complicity of security forces.