Price people have to pay for the conflict: Time for conflict resolution

Ch Priscilla Thiumai *

International Tribunal for Peace in Manipur (ITPM) :: Pix - Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace

The impact of the conflict which erupted on 3rd May, 2023 and continues till today is immense. The chasm that has been created due to loss of lives, destruction of properties and displacement is immense.

Conflict protagonists on either side continue to incite the actors with calls for dominance over the other, leaving more destruction on the trail. The aggressive behaviour no more conform to the rules of society and not even the laws of conflict.

The nature of Manipur conflict is one of the rarest conflicts. Though it is a communal conflict between Meitei and Kuki, it can be termed as a low intensity conflict as thousands of Central military forces are being deployed to control the situation.

Even the deployment of the military and police personnel has failed to control the aggression of both Kukis and Meiteis. The reason for the inability of Central military forces are very clear to all the keen observers of the ongoing conflict.

In the hills, the armed groups are highly active with sophisticated arms and in the valley there are a number of armed-groups calling the shots. Therefore, the arrival of Indian armies for short term control has not yielded any positive results so far.

The conflict itself has led to fortification of ethnic armed forces and procurement of arms and ammunition and the number of home grown weapons has proliferated, painting a very bleak future for Manipur. War mongers on either side seem to be very active and the place and her people have had to pay a heavy price.

The crime committed against women, children, even infants and old citizens has done irreparable harm. Many innocent people have been killed without remorse. Since the start of the conflict, many women and children have been exposed to armed threats and directly exposed to violence. The disruption of family structure has widened social disorganisation.

Thousands have been displaced and sent packing to relief camps, and many have had to experience the brunt of an unconducive environment, depriving even the basic necessities of life, especially a place where natural resources are limited.

All forms of cruel and inhuman treatment of women and children and destruction of dwelling places is highly condemned. All are against the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The customs and conventions to respect women and children during conflict stay defeated in this conflict.

The UN General Assembly Convention in 1989 adopted protocols on the right of children to take action to prevent children from participating in hostilities during armed conflict and to end sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

And, United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF calls for action to protect children in war. According to UNICEF, It is not inevitable that children are a direct target in conflict and that indiscriminate attacks against children are by-products of conflict.

The indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in public areas is disproportionate. During this conflict, the output of home grown weapons has increased. And, according to the reports of National and State news, the rockets used in recent attacks should be condemned by all.

The destruction and burning of vehicles, setting ablaze of public properties and Government offices and destruction of National Highways and roads do not uphold or adhere to the international rules of conflict. Vehicular movements are always disturbed at unauthorized checkpoints.

This is the greatest inconvenience that communities which have stayed neutral are facing till today. The 18-month long conflict has inflicted serious harm and untold miseries as they resort to coercion and anti-social behaviour. Both the parties do not maintain balance with non-conflict communities.

And, the frequency of total shut down, rallies and agitations disrupt the economic activities. These approaches are not appropriate sometimes. The Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the State has reduced considerably. (The reduction of GDP is indicated according to the law of conflict) And, the spoilage percentage of perishable goods such as vegetables is higher due to sudden bandh and strike and imposition of curfew both in the hills and valley.

To a greater loss, the wages of women, mothers and sisters of duty bound compliance, standing every day in the check gates is calculable. If all wages incurred are converted into money, it will come to several crore of rupees.

As mothers are engaged in obligatory activity set by conflict protagonists, they fail to give priority to their families. Therefore, the structure of the families is disturbed gradually. The breakdown of the family system will directly and indirectly affect the society.

Of all the mayhem, failing to create conducive environment of human resource development through education is one of the greatest setbacks. The regular education system is badly disturbed in this conflict. Failure to produce good and resourceful human beings is also a menace for the Nation.

The conflict of Meitei-Kuki has drawn global attention. Both the communities have spoken on global platforms and given paper presentation and representation to global organisations and are still trying to tell their own story. Some with fact and truth and some without truth and foundation.

And, many observers of Manipur conflict from across India have given their varied opinions. But, it is wise to study in-depth before speaking in public. One sided study and giving raw information about conflict is a grave danger.

Now, the time has come for conflict resolution. The international bodies or Indian Government will be of little help if the confronting parties are not willing to cooperate for peaceful solution. Leaders of Kuki and Meitei should come to the balancing point of conflict interests.

You already had enough opportunity to learn the interest of one another. The interests that are found in the view point of observers are, unequal distribution of funds and opportunities, influx of population from neighbouring countries, destruction of natural resources for cultivation of illegal crops, etc.

Of all interests, the interest of economic competition and bringing out of the domination structure to subdue one another is the main reason of conflict. The competition for limited supply of land resources is also not less than the economic interest of the communities.

The exhibition of aggressive behaviour towards one another should be stopped. The women community should be willing to not extend co-operation to conflict movements and should not react to the momentum of violence. It is already the time that women should turn towards rebuilding the social turmoil and social ravages taking place.

Most importantly, in any important matter, a political will is called for. The agenda of the Indian Government should be fair to every community. The Act East Policy should not focus on only economic views.

If the multi problems of North Eastern States are not solved, the economic exchange of Southeast Asian countries will not be fulfilled as targeted. North East, the doorway to increase Indian economy should be developed first. Then, the target of becoming the third and second largest economy in the world within a few years may not be fulfilled.

The people of Manipur, be they Christian, Hindu or Muslims and every civil, political, religious, boides and bureaucrats and scholars should listen to their inner voice and conscience. .