Every action has a reaction - avoid reaction

Birendra Laishram *

Every action elicits a reaction, yet it is crucial not to react impulsively or aggressively. The government holds a fundamental and paramount responsibility to ensure not only the safety and security of its citizens but also the protection of their lives and properties.

This essential duty encompasses the maintenance of peace and order within society, which is vital for fostering harmonious coexistence among individuals and communities. When one community initiates an unprovoked attack on another, it becomes imperative for the government to respond decisively and take appropriate, effective action against those who perpetrate such aggression.

The necessity for a strong governmental response is underscored by the potential for escalating violence and disorder if these aggressive actions go unchecked. Moreover, it is equally important for media personnel and journalists to promptly report these incidents to the relevant authorities. By doing so, they ensure that those in positions of power and responsibility are fully aware of the situation at hand and can act accordingly to restore peace and protect the communities that have been affected.

If you find yourself in a position where you are asked about the events that transpired, including inquiries about the names of individuals who have been injured or who have tragically lost their lives, you may share what you personally witnessed; however, it is crucial to remember that you are not permitted to engage in any form of combat or violence.

Engaging in such actions would only exacerbate the situation and contribute to further chaos and disorder. In the aftermath of such incidents, it is vital that political leaders, including figures such as the chief minister and other ministers, do not hastily rush to the scene of the conflict. Their role is not that of law enforcement officials and their presence may not contribute positively to the situation on the ground.

Instead, they should focus on issuing clear and coherent instructions to state or central forces, directing them to assist in maintaining order and stability in the affected areas. This measured approach is necessary to prevent the escalation of tensions and to ensure that law enforcement can effectively carry out their duties without interference or complications.

If law enforcing agencies are delayed in their response, despite of the orders of the politicians, I mean to say the positive and impartial instructions of the politicians, this could be perceived as a weakness or dereliction of their duties, prompting competent authorities to take appropriate actions as deemed necessary against the concerned state or central forces.

It is essential for citizens to distance themselves from direct or indirect involvement in the fight, as their participation could further complicate an already delicate situation.

Currently, in the ongoing crisis in Manipur, we are witnessing a troubling and alarming scenario in which students, villagers, and various civil society groups have taken up weapons in response to the violence. These individuals are acting out of a desire to either retaliate against aggressors or to protect their own communities from further harm, a role that falls outside their intended responsibilities as civilians.

This alarming trend indicates a significant breakdown of law and order, reminiscent of chaotic times in ancient history when communities resorted to self-defense in the absence of effective governance and authority.

Today, we are fortunate to have a robust government that upholds the rule of law, ensuring that there is no space or opportunity for any form of retaliation or vengeance. This commitment to justice and order fosters a stable environment where all individuals can feel secure and protected under the legal framework established by our governing institutions.

Ultimately, it is the government’s duty to devise and implement comprehensive strategies aimed at halting the violence and addressing the legitimate grievances of the communities that have been affected by these conflicts. If these communities feel compelled to retaliate in response to ongoing aggression, it is likely that those who initiated the attacks will respond the same, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence and retribution that can be exceedingly difficult to break.

Furthermore, if the affected communities perceive themselves as powerless to resolve their situation through peaceful means, they will be assisted from external sources. In such a situation, the attackers will face unintended consequences that could further complicate the conflict.

In this context, stronger groups may face significant challenges as they navigate the complexities of power dynamics, while weaker groups often find themselves isolated and without the necessary support to protect their interests and well-being. This situation underscores the urgent need for effective governance and community engagement to restore order and foster a sense of security for all citizens involved.

Reconciliation among diverse ethnic communities necessitates the establishment of trust and mutual respect. It is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action to eliminate all expressions of hatred, whether in words or visuals, in any form. This includes the dissemination of harmful viral content that can incite violence and division among communities.

To foster an environment conducive to peace, it is essential for both opposing sides to disarm; and for armed forces to adopt a position of neutrality, refraining from taking sides in these complex and multifaceted situations. Their actions and the manner in which they face the situation will demonstrate their impartiality, thereby helping to regain the trust of the people.

I have previously stressed the critical importance of steering clear of any thoughts or acts of revenge, as such actions only serve to perpetuate the cycle of violence and conflict. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to ensure that individuals who commit wrongdoing are held accountable for their actions, and it is crucial that politicians refrain from exploiting this delicate situation for their own personal advantage and gain, as doing so could further inflame tensions and undermine efforts for peace.

In conclusion, we must approach this situation with the mindset that Manipur is functioning asif under President’s Rule. In such a scenario, neither civil society organizations nor local villagers will be able to engage in the protective actions that many communities are currently undertaking to safeguard themselves from attacks.

This places the onus of responsibility for ensuring safety and security squarely on the shoulders of the Central Government, central forces and the state forces. Any shortcomings or failures on the part of the government and armed forces in fulfilling this critical duty will inevitably draw international attention and provoke a sense of compassion and concern for the victims involved in this troubling conflict.

The need for a coordinated and effective response is paramount, as only through diligent efforts can we hope to restore peace and stability to the region. Might may not always be right in the current generation. Additionally, those who engage in wrongful actions are typically conscious of their misdeeds and understand that their behaviour is unjust.