The cure is already in plain sight

Lukhendro Keisham *

The answer to this long halt in Manipur is already within our grasp. We only need to make a decisive choice and medicate ourselves. A wealth of media discussions, analysis, articles, research reports, publications, advisors, individual recommendations and social media comments are already in public as well as government spheres to interpret and address the issues.

We now have a comprehensive understanding of what went wrong and what can be done. The Suspension of Operations (SoO), poppy cultivation, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, porous borders, cross-border terrorism, geopolitics, attack on villages, internally displaced persons (IDPs), revival of armed groups, rise of gun culture, extortion, and assaults on civilians are some of the major reasons and fallouts of this conflict. We are also aware of the historical, political and constitutional dynamic of Manipur and its people.

Everyone is a minority in some part of the world. All natives of Manipur are small, regardless of any religion or cultural background they evolved from. Demanding special status in any region based on a small demographic size could lead to resentment from the local population unless everyone; including the locals who are also a minority in the country, agrees or is treated equally. This issue extends beyond just population disparity. Control over natural resources and geographical distribution further contradicts this narrative.

It is also a fact that some armed insurgents are positioned on high grounds, controlling all the supply routes to the state. They extort money from the general public and collect illegal taxes from all commercial vehicles implying along the highways. If their annual revenue were totaled, they could easily fund an independent government of their own.

However, all authorities, including government forces, would turn a blind eye to these activities. ‘Ngambra’ is a very famous term in Manipur, especially used to bully someone from a particular community, challenging them to a fight whenever they encounter one in their dominant areas.

The world should also understand that the central valley of Manipur is just a tiny landlocked area. Controlling the highways and now cutting off physical access between two of the largest communities in the state exhibits a blatant infringement of both human and constitutional rights.

One major reason for frequent law and order disturbances in the region is the long-standing armed revolutionary movement. Though initially started with the intention of protecting, safeguarding and uplifting its people, place, and identity, many are now caught in a state of limbo. While some have engaged in talks with the government, progress toward a final settlement has been slow. A few still adhere to their original goals and ideologies.

The current conflict in Manipur is also an eye opener to many more of such divisive agendas brewing among various groups. The Suspension of Operations agreement between certain armed groups and the Government of India is not intended to grant them free rein to engage in extortion, poppy cultivation, operate drug cartels, or conspire against the state.

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) was not enacted to invite foreigners, give them special status and populate the country. We already have enough of our own to fulfill them with jobs and stable livelihood.

Why would a country mark its boundaries if it is not to be respected? All international borders should be strictly sealed. Two countries could be neighbors but they are not identical. Countries are not marked on ethnicity or religion. Shifting cultivation, deforestation and encroaching forest land is clearly against the environmental stewardship.

The ball is in the court of the State and Central government. But it is also crucial for the people to step forward and endorse the state in addressing these challenges. This could also be a perfect set up for the government to make those pragmatic decisions which the government longed for to handle many other long standing issues in the region.

While managing the situation by the government may be disappointing to some but they are not static either. The result of the recently held 18th Lok Sabha Election, where the ruling party failed to secure any seats in Manipur is a clear indication that people of the state are not happy with the governance.

However, it is not entirely fair to blame the government for the prolonged conflict. For a neutral entity, resolving the issue is more important than debating on the origin. The global community may offer comments or criticism, but ultimately, it is up to the people of Manipur to find the way forward.

Leaders may have their own perspectives on how they want to tackle the issue. But they clearly misjudged the outcomes of their decisions to crack down on poppy cultivation, illegal immigration and land encroachment without proper thought process. It is an excellent example of impulsive and myopic decision-making.

For a sustainable peace and accelerated growth in the region, it is crucial to resolve the armed rebellion as soon as possible. This time the concept of Manipur is being tested. It is entirely reasonable to question our leaders, as the responsibility has always been theirs. However, this should always be done with decency in speech from all parties involved. We are simply pampering them by remaining silent and passive.