Prodding the Government to wake up to the reality

Birendra Laishram *

VVF pledges to safeguard Manipur - December 07 2023 :: Pix - TSE

When my neighbour's house caught fire, I immediately picked up the phone and called the fire service for help. However, my calls went unanswered for several attempts. Finally, someone on the other end picked up the phone and I informed of the fire incident.

In the meantime, many youths from the village had already rushed to the scene, showing incredible courage and determination as they worked together to extinguish the flames that were rapidly spreading from one house to another. Unfortunately, by the time the fire brigade arrived, several houses had already been lost to the blaze.

The fire-fighters were able to douse the fire, but it was disheartening to see the destruction that had occurred before their arrival. The firefighters also thanked the volunteers. Helping in dousing the fire before the Govt machineries arrived is a noble work of the village volunteers.

The Govt did commend volunteers' efforts, even though it is primarily the responsibility of the Fire Department to respond to such emergencies and extinguish fires. Govt often remains silent when it comes to the contributions made by volunteers consisting of youths and women.

These volunteers consistently assist the Govt in maintaining a clean and healthy environment by cleaning the drains, assisting in war on drugs, sweeping the streets, desiltation of waterways, and exposing those involved in corrupt practices and even school development activities.

They also play a role in various initiatives, such as ensuring compliance with prohibition laws, detecting illegal immigrants, and participating in tree plantation drives and many social service activities at the time of flood and drought. However, the situation is starkly different when it comes to the village volunteers who step up to protect their communities from the threats posed by Kuki armed militants.

Instead of being appreciated, these volunteers face arrests from the Govt. It is troubling that the Government fails to distinguish between the criminal elements and the village volunteers who are simply trying to protect their homes and families. The primary duty of any Govt is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens.

If the Govt neglects this responsibility, it raises the question of what fault lies with the village volunteers who feel compelled to take action. It is important to recognize that these volunteers would not need to intervene if the Govt was effectively fulfilling its obligations.

Who are the individuals that have taken the bold step of entering into war fields ? These individuals endure sleepless nights, sun and rain, surrounded by bullets and the terrifying blasts of bombs forgetting their educations and future. This scenario raises a pressing question that demands attention: why are the State and Central forces failing to take action to urge the warring groups to cease fire ?

The apparent inaction is troubling and suggests that the armed forces have not been given any clear orders or directives to ensure the protection and safety of both sides. If the State and Central forces doubt that both sides have adopted dual roles as village volunteers by displaying their SBBL and DBBL weapons, while simultaneously acting as armed militants by taking their warlike arsenals during moments of intense exchanges of fire, why they fail to station their troops in such vulnerable locations ?

This troubling situation raises further inquiries about the effectiveness and awareness of the Indian intelligence organizations, and whether they are wilfully choosing to turn a blind eye to the ongoing war that is unfolding.

It evokes the sense that this conflict is being treated as if it were happening in a far-off country, well beyond the borders of India, sparking concern about the implications of such negligence and the potential consequences for the people caught in the crossfire. This situation begs the question of why the Govt is perceived as being biased towards a particular community.

Is there any Govt agency that can provide evidence that the Meitei village volunteers have ever attacked Kuki villages ? When clashes erupted on May 3, 2023, there were indeed some unfortunate incidents involving killings and attacks between the Meitei and Kuki communities, but these incidents lasted only three or four days.

Such localized violence is not uncommon and has occurred in various instances throughout history; however, the ongoing and intentional attacks against the Meitei community are a rare and concerning phenomenon.

It is also essential to consider whether the Meitei community has ever made any demands of the Government that could be construed as a threat to the unity of the State, apart from the legitimate request for Constitutional protection for a major population that occupies only 8 percent of the total land area. This demand is a genuine appeal to the Government of India, rooted in the need for security and recognition.

Notably, no Meitei individual has ever attacked any hill people for any kind of demand or grievance. In contrast, it raises a significant concern as to why hill people would choose to attack those living in the valley.

The valley is a land where anybody can buy land and settle, and it is important to note that anyone, regardless of whether they belong to a Scheduled Tribe or Scheduled Caste, has the right to contest elections in the 60 Constituencies of the State, including the one reserved for specific communities.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that 20 of the Constituencies in the hill areas are reserved specifically for the hill people, indicating a structured approach to representation that acknowledges the diverse communities within the State. I urge the Government to prevent harmful interactions between civilians and the forces to safeguard lives and property, rather than passively questioning why village volunteers are defending their communities.

It is vital to position troops in sensitive areas so all communities feel included. The Central Government must take proactive steps to promote peace and dialogue by engaging with community leaders to build trust and alleviate tensions. To combat feelings of neglect, a commitment to inclusivity is essential.

Open forums can allow communities to express grievances, diminishing misunderstandings and preventing conflict. The Personnel in deployment troops should be trained in cultural sensitivity to act as protectors, fostering goodwill and equality among citizens. Equitable development in Manipur must be a government priority. Equitable investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare can create unity.

When communities see improvements, they are more likely to identify with India and sense of leading to peaceful coexistence. Together, we can foster a Manipur based on unity and respect, where every community is valued. Through intentional actions, lasting peace and cultural diversity can be achieved.