Focus on the present challenges for a bright future

Oinam Nabakishore Singh *

Popular saying, “Take Care of the Present, Future will take Care of itself” emphasizes the need to attend to the present pressing issues first before attending to the future challenges.

The oft-repeated narrative of Manipur Chief Minister about initiation of border fencing on Indo-Myanmar border, regulation of free movement by the Myanmar and Indian Nationals by Assam Rifles and capturing of bio-metric data of illegal immigrants from Myanmar at public functions may be intended to instill a promise of bright future of Manipur among the people of the State.

While such actions by the Government deserve to be appreciated, the real priority of the Government as of now is obviously swept under the carpet. The relevant question to the Government is as to why the real and pressing issues are not addressed here and now ?

It is human nature to procrastinate difficult issues for reasons like inconvenience or difficulty. The problem at hand may be too difficult to grasp, and coming up with required solutions may be beyond one’s imagination.

From the differing narratives spelt out by the Central and State Government from time to time as to the cause(s) of the conflict besieging Manipur for the last twenty one months, it is evident that the root cause(s) of the conflict in the State is beyond the grasp of those at the helm of affairs.

It is, indeed, a sorry state of affairs–attributing orders of Manipur High Court on the demand of ST status sometimes, legacy of tribal conflict between communities in Manipur, narco-terrorism, illegal immigrants, foreign hand, etc. A prudent administrator will use the services of experts to diagnose the issues plaguing the State and help in devising strategies to reach the goal of reaching peace and normalcy between the warring groups.

Unfortunately, no serious efforts have been made by both Central and State Governments to resolve the conflict since its eruption. When the tension was simmering before the eruption of violence on the 3rd May, 2023, law and order enforcement machinery of the State failed to see the visible signs of brewing storm in the horizon.

The foolish act of withdrawal of commandos of State police from Churachandpur on the 28th April, 2023 by the State Government through a so-called settlement between civil society organizations and State police created a vacuum in the law enforcement forces there. In fact, it was a fatal mistake that allowed armed miscreants in Churachandpur to take law in their hands.

The violent eviction of Meiteis from their homes in Meitei settlements in Churachandpur district spread like a wild fire in a coordinated and similar fashion to Kangpokpi district and Moreh town. Had the State machinery acted with a heavy hand to control the situation, further escalation and repercussions from Meitei community could have been prevented. The blame for failure to anticipate the violence and its spread across the State will lie squarely on the shoulder of State Home Department.

What is required of the State Government is ownership of the responsibility to bring peace in the State. Lull of firing between the armed groups cannot be construed as return of peace although the State and Central leaders proudly claim return of peace to the State. One cannot predict when and where the next round of firing will erupt. Such lulls, although desirable, will not be seen as restoration of the situation that existed before 3rd May, 2023.

It is now all evident that Article 355 of the Constitution of India is now at full play in Manipur, where the Union Government has deployed sizable Central security forces and they have indirectly been taking important decisions related to security of the State.

Even though, the Central Government, while giving a reply to a writ petition arising out of the violence in Jiribam district, where three women and three children were brutally killed, told Manipur High Court that maintenance of law and order is within the purview of the State Government, it is obvious that the writ of the State does not run in the hill areas where armed Kuki militants operate freely without any restraint.

It is also evident that hands of the State machinery is tied–not allowing to take any action to rein in militants– for reasons best known to the concerned authorities. It looks like a hopeless situation for Manipur, where both Central and State authorities are passing the buck to each other, while all sections of the people particularly displaced people of both communities are left to fend for themselves and wait for the warring groups to be exhausted.

It is high time for the political leadership especially of Manipur to forget the pleasant rhetoric of working for the future generations of the State. Without good circumstances, conducive for growth and development, talking about a bright future does not make any sense. It is necessary to catch the bull by its horns.

Any reflective person easily understands the distinction between words and acts to address the present and future problems of the people. Postponing any effort to resolve the crisis will further deepen the chasm between the two warring communities and help in disintegration of the territory of the State. Many leaders of Kuki-Zo communities have proudly claimed that they have already achieved Separate Administration because of physical separation and settlements in distinct areas.

Just as any wound festers when left untreated, and may even lead to amputation later on from the main body, the present conflict should be resolved by using all means available–ceasefire, dialogue and mutually respectful settlement of outstanding issues. It is the duty of the State–Centre or State–to proactively address the conflict with the earnestness it deserves without any further loss of time.

Calling upon the people to help in resolving the crisis by the State leadership from time to time will not help much.

What is required is to come out of comfort zone and leave all prejudices behind and start a process of dialogue keeping the interest of the State uppermost in mind. It may be necessary to make some sacrifices here and there for the sake of people belonging to all tribes and communities and for a bright future of the State.