Manipur badnam huyi

Free Thinker *

The naked parade followed by gang rape (viral video) made Manipur completely badanam not only in India but also around the world. We are in the limelight again for the wrong reason. We all condemn it – it is really shameful.

CJI is so angry that he said he will take action if the Centre and the State don’t act; if both remain defunct how will CJI take action ? What is more baffling is that CM says, capital punishment will be awarded to the culprits. With my stingy knowledge of the Judiciary and Executive, I am gone mad.

Prime Minister is very anguished and saddened to see such heinous atrocities in and around. He is more concerned about Manipur because it comes under a double engine. Warned the CMs to take strict actions–which means all CMs will continue.

Fighting between brothers and killing one another among-st the tribes and clans has been our tradition for centuries – it is a long-practicing convention. Perhaps we are still repeating the same age-old practice and customs but the only difference is that these days we are using new weapons and tools. Kukis joined us later but they are quick learners. Internecine strife is futile and meaningless – we have learned from Mahabharata. Five villages could have avoided ‘Kurukshetra’.

Disrespecting women, disrobing, groping, and raping have never been our practice – perverted insanity imported from outside. In fact, Manipuri society is famous for respecting women and womanhood. The reality is that women dictate the social norms, though inactive in politics.

Again I am pleading to all and sundry that until and unless we address the core issues we can’t have peace and normalcy. Core issues are the “leaders” – please identify the leaders and deal with them one by one – hundred-odd leaders are playing this dangerous game. The so-called issues are their own creations and imaginations, though a few are genuine.

For instance, the majority of Meiteis want ST status (it is now proven in the last 80 days or so, that they deserve to be in the list – so uncivilized ) Kuki- Zo wants separate administration because they are afraid of living together either with the Meiteis or Nagas – both are dangerous.

But the most difficult part is “Manipur is indivisible” for Hastinapur, (being the sacred land of Chitrangada). So, the ultimate message is crystal clear - compromise and live together within. Arrangements may be worked out with the help of the Centre.

The Nagas also believe that they will be happy to remain either isolated or merged with Nagaland. As long as the demands are democratic and non-violent there should not be any problem. They are demanding the same for the last so many years. Now, they might have also realized that the solution lies within Manipur.

It is heartbreaking when people talk about dismembering Manipur. Few ethnic groups lack a sense of belongingness to Manipur. It is very unfortunate. The most crucial reason for this is due to the divide-and-rule polity and policies adopted by the Britishers as well as the post-independence Constitutional arrangements like the Fifth Schedule or Article 371C.

Perhaps Britishers thought that Meiteis are die-hard Hindus and the remaining population in the hills could be amenable to Christianity – so kept separately directly under them.

Voices from European Parliament or speaking from British Parliament or murmuring from American Embassy – such utterances are not in favor of an ethnic community. They are doing so because of Christianity. When their religion is in danger they can do anything. They are silent about the Hindus who are also badly impacted by this madness of the last 80 days.

Both communities are still committing big mistakes. One is trying to bring a religious angle to get international support – mind you, such an approach will be devastating. The other (53%) is still trying to bully the minority - instead of making efforts to normalize the relationship.

To end the civil war (Shekher ji calls it) just call 100 identified leaders including the 60 MLAs before the most competent authority – and simply read out their dossiers.

After the completion of the pronouncement, mild wording may be sounded, “We have not taken any action so far” – peace will be restored automatically. But, for better tranquility, they may be thoroughly entertained at the Centre for one month without mobiles.

For a lasting peace, Manipur may be reverted back to a kind of pre-1972 status and NSA may act as LG. Demographic adjustment within the State may be done to set up a kind of ethnic mosaic all over (for avoiding ‘his area’ and ‘my area’ concepts in the future).

During this period the boundary fencing between India and Myanmar may be completed. Illegal immigrants may be deported accordingly. Under massive afforestation, poppy may be allowed only up to morphine level.

Separatist elements may be dealt with sensibly and sympathetically. Kukis, now more intelligent and globally influential may be given General Category status and Meiteis must be converted to ST (a fit case –video is the testimony).

They call me a pacifist pagal – not a problem at all!