A Public Review on the Eight Point Resolution by State

Lukhendro Keisham *

The Chief Minister of Manipur chaired a review meeting on the degrading law and order situation in the state on 18th Nov., 2024. It was attended by Ministers and MLAs of National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the ruling alliance in the state as well as central executives.

Agree or not, people can read politicians very well, at least for now. If the government can review public situations, the public should also be able to review government decisions or activities. Here is a personal view on the resolutions taken on that day from a public standpoint.

1. "The meeting, at the start, endorsed the views and decisions of the State Cabinet in the meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 November, 2024."

It is quite peculiar endorsing the same decision taken by the same people just two days back and in words alone. It’s like investigating your own crimes where you are the offender, constabulary and prosecutor in all the affairs. And now that they have tabled it, what is the follow up again after every two days? Except for a formal show it is a vain attempt only to make the list of resolutions excessive instead of discussing the issues in front.

2. "Central Government to review the imposition of AFSPA as per the order dated 14 November, 2024 with immediate effect."

This resolution is on the re-imposition of Arm Force (Special Powers) Act of 1958 or popularly known as AFSPA on 14th Nov., 2024 by Government of India covering jurisdiction under six police stations in Manipur. They were Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, Kangpokpi and Moirang police stations. From previous experiences experts are of the opinion that any call from the state on AFSPA has been a deaf ear to the centre.

Perception aside, this is a welcoming gesture from the state government, making their stands clear on AFSPA to the centre. One cannot be a silent spectator just by mere intuitions. Rolling back the decision may entirely depend on the judgment of Central Government, but one cannot draw conclusions based on unseen agendas.

3. "To start Mass Operations against the Kuki militants responsible for the killing of the 6 (six) innocent women and children in Jiribam within 7 (seven) days."

These women and children were abducted on 11th Nov., 2024 from Jiribam District's Borobekra. Later their dead bodies were found floating in Jiri River on 15th and 17th Nov., 2024. Earlier the government informed that they are doing their best to rescue them, but without success. So far, no specific details or information have been disclosed about how the rescue operation was conducted. Perhaps it is to maintain privacy and avoid alerting the perpetrator.

The government already had four days to track the abductees before they were found dead and seven days until this resolution was moved. With the passing of days traces of the culprits will continue to fade and distant. By now, they might have crossed the borders, fled the country, or gone underground, making them untouchable by any forces.

Even after eighteen months none of the government instruments has impressed the people with any proactive moves to disperse the conflict in order to bring back normalcy. Set aside Mass Operation, there hasn't been any such incident yet that could support the accountability of any plans from the government. The light is even dimmer if we take into account factors like the control of power, geography, the political and communal trends, etc.

4. "The cases related to the (i) killing of the 6 (six) innocent Meitei women and children in Jiribam (ii) death of 1 (one) Hmar woman who was burnt on the 7th November, 2024 in Jiribam and (iii) the killing of 1 (one) Meitei woman farmer in Saiton, Bishnupur district on 9 November 2024, to be immediately handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)."

Whenever a case is handed over to the NIA or any other agency by the state, it often raises the perception of shirking responsibility. As a start state could consider initiating the investigation from its side, collect possible evidence and later share its narrative with NIA if it exits its jurisdiction rather than hastily transferring them.

Such quick handovers may suggest an attempt to offload responsibilities and avoid potential risks on their shoulders. It may involve national interest, security, or foreign influence, but we must also ensure our active involvement and accountability.

No doubt that NIA is the most premier counter terrorist investigative agency in the country but it also faces a backlog of pending cases. After all, it occurred on state soil.

5. "Declare the Kuki Militants responsible for the killing of the 6 (six) innocent women and children as an 'unlawful organisation' within 7 (seven) days."

Whether officially declared or not, those involved in the killing of six innocent women and children are offenders. By law, any armed individual or group responsible for such a crime can be subjected to a crackdown, regardless of their position or status.

They are also the ones who attacked the villages and burned their houses. Later, on the same day, they attacked a police station, resulting in the deaths of ten of them and injuring security personnel. Had not the security forces retaliated there could be a bloodbath as the particular station also houses Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the current conflict.

Now that the government has decided to declare the intruders as "unlawful organization" in seven days the people of Manipur are left waiting yet again for action. Let’s hope this extension doesn’t become another excuse to delay justice, a reflection of reluctance to act against the perpetrators or totally change their decision later.

6. "If the above resolutions taken are not implemented within the specified period, all the NDA Legislators will decide the future course of action in consultation with the people of the State."

Both the state and central government are led by the very famous Double Engine Government of National Democratic Alliance. Regarded as one of the strongest alliances in the constitutional history of India, they are also the ultimate force capable of ending and resolving the current unrest in Manipur.

Though they have put up an ultimatum they failed to establish any specific future course of action if they miss the ultimatum, always leaving a door open for an extension. Also, it should not be forgotten that the government is essentially warning itself in this case.

7. "The Central and State Governments to take all necessary steps at the earliest to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur."

Maintaining peace and normalcy is the most important responsibility of any government, the rest comes later. But for Manipur the government appears uncertain about how to address the conflict and still continues to drift aimlessly. Given that eighteen months have passed since the conflict began, such statements seem to exist in name only.

The government may miss on Manipur but they never leave any stone unturned when it comes to elections happening all year round across various states in the country. They have created a ghost that will haunt the people of Manipur in the days to come. Had they nipped it in the bud, it would not have grown into a mountain today.

8. "The meeting condemned the action of certain persons who humiliated the Hon'ble Ministers and MLAs, representing the public, by attacking them and also burning and stealing their properties. Such barbaric action of the miscreants, including the looting and destruction of properties was strongly condemned by all the Legislators present. Legal action will be initiated against the concerned miscreants, based on the findings of a High Powered Committee."

Any form of violence is unconstitutional and condemnable. Some have even referred to it as an act of anarchy. In the name of uprising or expressing displeasure, taking advantage of the situation is unholy. Citizens are the most important subject of any state. Going against our own principles of fairness and integrity undermines the very foundation of the cause.

This will not only deteriorate the situation but loses credibility in the minds of our leaders to work for us. The government should also understand the pulse of the people and act in alignment with people's perspective, rather than imposing its own will and measures. None of the resolution involves commitment but the usual tactful approach alone.

After all, it was an exclusive meeting for the coalition members. A consistent follow-up on all earlier resolutions would be much appreciated. Despite all of this, the people of Manipur still await peace and normalcy. The government needs to do better.