The dual nature of conflict
War with Brains and War with Arms

Birendra Laishram *

War, in its essence, can be categorized into two distinct types : the war with brain and the war with arms. The former involves strategies such as the distortion and fabrication of histories, and the use of religious narratives to garner empathy and support from the global community as is continuously doing by the Kuki communities is the State of Manipur.

The latter is the physical manifestation of conflict, involving direct violence and armed confrontations the way it hatched on the third of May 2023 in the name of conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur.

War with Brains, a Silent Battle

The war with brain is a subtle yet potent form of conflict. It involves psychological strategies aimed at influencing perceptions and narratives. This type of war is often waged through the manipulation of historical facts, the propagation of biased narratives, and the exploitation of religious sentiments. The goal is to shape public opinion and gain moral support from the international community.

In the context of Manipur, the Kuki community has been accused of engaging in such tactics against the Meitei community. Since before the merger of the princely State of Manipur, there have been claims of historical distortions and fabricated narratives aimed at portraying the Kuki as victims and the Meitei as aggressors. This silent war has been ongoing, influencing perceptions and creating a biased understanding of the conflict.

War with Arms: The Physical Confrontation

Armed conflict starkly showcases violence, destruction, and tragic loss of life, often rooted in long-standing psychological war- fare within communities. The recent clashes between the Kuki and Meitei have escalated, resulting in fierce confrontations and heavy casualties. These conflicts have not only harmed many individuals but also displaced or segregated or separated numerous people from their demolished homes.

Despite a substantial presence of security forces, they are forcibly displaced. This ongoing crisis underscores the deep tensions that have erupted into violence, affecting countless lives. Such is not possible in a strong democratic nation like India—a Socialist Secular Democratic Republic—if the Government upholds the Constitution.

The Role of Educated or Uneducated Elites

One of the critical aspects of the ongoing conflict is the role of the educated or uneducated elites in shaping and responding to narratives. In the case of the Meitei community, there has been criticism of the educated individuals, particularly those in academic positions, of not adequately countering the false narratives propagated by the Kuki.

This perceived inaction has led to a situation where the Meitei elites are seen as uneducated and passive in the face of psychological warfare. I recently felt overwhelmed as I watched a television discussion featuring a knowledgeable university Physics Professor. During the discussion, he shared incredibly valuable historical narratives about Manipur, which I found to be both enlightening and thought-provoking.

The Path to Reconciliation: Bridging the Divide (cases outside India)

To achieve a peaceful resolution between the Kuki and Meitei, it is vital to recognize the interconnected nature of these wars. Addressing the war with brain requires a multifaceted approach involving education, dialogue, and empathy. The constructed narratives must be critically examined and discussed openly, including perspectives from both sides.

The Importance of Education and Awareness

Education is key to mitigating the effects of the war with brain. By fostering an understanding of the historical context and complexities of the conflict, educational institutions can facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.

Workshops and community initiatives can enable the Kuki and Meitei to share their histories, dispelling myths and fostering a sense of shared humanity that is often overshadowed by narratives of victimhood and aggression.

The Role of Media and Technology

In the information age, media and technology can either worsen or alleviate conflicts. Responsible journalism and ethical social media use are essential for shaping public perceptions. Media outlets should strive for balanced narratives reflecting both communities' realities, avoiding sensationalism that deepens divisions. Social media can also promote positive stories of coexistence, countering negative narratives.

Engaging Community Leaders

Community leaders, including religious figures and local influencers free from militant and political influences, play a significant role in bridging divides. Their involvement in peace-building initiatives can enhance reconciliation efforts. By advocating for dialogue, these leaders can shift focus from conflict to collaboration, fostering trust and collective action through shared goals.

The Role of Government and Policy

The Government must address the underlying issues fuelling the conflict. Policies promoting inclusi-vity rather than separatism, punishing agencies denying equitable resource allocation, and ensuring represen- tation for both communities can help ease tensions.

Conflict resolution mechanisms involving both Kuki and Meitei representatives can address grievances while respecting all parties' rights and identities. The rise of armed village protection forces raises concerns about Government effectiveness and control.

Perceived inadequate security and development in Manipur breeds discontent. Local communities often view Government forces as biased or ineffective, leading to the formation of self-defense groups. There are suspicions that the Government may prefer the conflict for political reasons, potentially distracting from other issues.

A Vision for the Future

Ultimately, reconciliation hinges on recognizing the dual nature of the conflict. Both the war with brain and the war with arms must be addressed simultaneously to foster sustainable peace. By engaging in counter-narratives, promoting education, and facilitating dialogue, the Kuki and Meitei communities can work toward a future where their histories are acknowledged, grievances addressed, and aspira- tions for peace realized.

In Conclusion

The conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities exemplifies the dual nature of war. The war with brain involves psychological strategies and narrative manipulation, while the war with arms represents the violent culmination of these tensions. Educated elites must actively counter false narratives and promote a balanced understanding of history and current events.

Only through such efforts can the cycle of psychological and physical warfare be broken, paving the way for lasting peace and reconciliation. Who will initiate it ? It may only come when both communities exhaust their energies.

I am suggesting the above lines as if an expert assuming that the conflict is happening in between two independent countries taking place outside Indian Territory. This ongoing conflict in Manipur cannot persist in a strong democratic Nation like India - a Socialist Secular Democratic Republic - if the Government upholds the Constitution.