High expectation, minimal crisis management measures
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: June 03, 2023 -

WITH exception of appointment of a new director general of police and prepa-ration to despatch doctors picked up from centrally-run medical institutions to Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, there has been no significant change brought about during the four-day visit of Union home minister Amit Shah.

Accepted that there were fewer inci-dents of shootouts and acts of arson during the home minister's presence in the state, but the demand raised by Meetei organisations for abrogation of the suspension of operation agreement signed with Kuki armed outfits as well as the move by MLAs belonging to the Kuki-Chin group and civil societies had no bearing on Amit Shah.

Owing to the plu-ralistic composition and characteristics of the population, it is possible that Amit Shah preferred not to give a commitment on these issues as the Union government is certain to take time for minute scrutiny of the demands rather than jumping to the conclusion.

More-over, the home minister's contention that a ruling by the High Court of Manipur led to the outbreak of violence in the state might be aimed at placating the warring communities as well as to drive home the point that the aggrieved party should take legal recourse to counter the decree rather than unleashing the fury on the civilian population.

Similarly, it seems that the decision to rope in servic-es of healthcare professionals is to address the emergency situation arising out of near collapse of the healthcare sector in the three hill districts, which are among the epicentre of the communal violence.

The thrust on ensuring basic healthcare ser-vice to the Kuki population in these districts, however, will not bear fruit if the doctors, particularly those from the Meetei community feel insecure for it needs no reminding that no one would risk their life in-spite of their service entailing serving those in need anywhere, anytime.

With onset of monsoon generally associated with outbreak of various common diseases and many patients currently bereft of their regular treatment procedures due to the prevailing tense and volatile situation apart from hindrances in their movement, it is but natural that the government authorities shall have to prioritise saving as many lives as possible.

Pending solution to the multiple vexed issues and demands, Amit Shah right-ly accorded importance to despatching the doctors in-spite of being fully aware that the work environment for the non-local medical professionals in the aforementioned districts wouldn't be to their liking.

Taking into account of the complex problems and issues, it could be safely stated that finding amicable solutions would be cumbrous for the governments of India and Manipur.

As such the immediate focus for the government authorities should be towards prevention of violence in all parts of the state, ensure regular supply of essential commodities to every districts by ending the highway blockade, put into practice the process for confidence building measures, expedite the proposed enquiries into the violence so as to expose elements who orchestrated and ignited the flame of communal riots, and fa-cilitate resumption of classes at all levels for the sake of the future pillars of the society.