AFSPA , Manipur and the Missing Link
- Part 2 -

Sonia Oinam *

Save Democracy repeal AFSPA campaign at Ahemadabad, Gujarat on International Human Rights day :: 10 December 2011

The Centre's silence may be excused on one plausible reason. The Armed Forces stern and firm support of continuing with this Act. Yes, the defence forces is the strongest contender of the other side of the debate and they are absolutely against the withdrawal of the draconian Act. Their argument is also logical, reasonable and they have laudably emphasized the necessity of the Act in the complex nature and situations in combating insurgency movements at the cost of their own lives and safety.

The Centre as such is safe siding with the concerns of the armed forces and is therefore tilted towards not repealing the AFSPA . And what we see is that the AFSPA has been reduced to a topic for debate only and is caught in a superficial tussle between the masses and the armed forces. Meanwhile the Centre is happy with the tussle and there is no signs of commitment for addressing the people's demand, grievances and sufferings.

Here lies the dilemma! General public have to bear the consequences from both acts of violence from both the state & non-state movements and the imposition of the draconian law is only aggravating the situation in the state rather than mitigating suffering of the people & number of armed organisations operating in Manipur in on the rise . The common people is sandwiched between two powers and have been enduring atrocities from both the security forces & activities of banned groups.

The outcome is that we Manipuris live under a fear of our survival and naturally we no longer adore & respect both the state and non-state forces . The limit of tolerating violence has been crossed and we want peace. And it is time to hammer out the fact that AFSPA is not the root problem. AFSPA's genesis lies in Insurgency movement in Manipur.

So long as insurgency hold its roots in our soil, the suffering of the people whether it be of human rights violation by the defence forces or the bombing, extortions, dictates, etc. by the non-state actors will continue unabated. AFSPA will naturally go if the root cause of insurgency is addressed. So, let us focus on how to solve the root problem of Manipur and the challenges that lies ahead.

The insurgents are fighting for a sovereign Manipur and the centre is determined to crush them with an iron hand through any means to the extent of imposing AFSPA against the people's will. But the use of force and power can never be the solution for insurgency movement in Manipur. Violence will only result in more bloodshed and loss of lives of our brothers in the defence forces (the state actors), the insurgents (the non-state actors) who are no less than our brothers but equally patriotic sons of our soil and moreover loss of the lives of innocent civilians. The loss is for all.

A political solution is the only solution that will ensure resolution of the conflict between the state and non-state actors and for restoration of peace in Manipur. Therefore, initiation of political dialogue between the insurgents and the GoI is the only way out for Manipur's dilemma. A political dialogue is the missing link and the only means to shun violence for once and for all and will also ensure an honourable solution to decades of war.

Here, we need a commitment from both the centre and the insurgents to begin the dialogue process with a clarity of purpose and hopefully the purpose will resonate a path of a peaceful and prosperous Manipur with certain relaxations in their uncompromising original positions. Mizoram solved its insurgency movement through political dialogue with the GoI, Assam is on its way to solve insurgency movement with the initiation of peace-talks between the GoI and ULFA and the Naga insurgency have been on ceasefire through political dialogue between the NSCN and GoI.

So, why not Manipur? It is high time the Centre feel the pulse of the people and our aspirations for a peaceful Manipur and its time to formulate ways and means to initiate a political dialogue with the insurgents. It is test for the Centre towards Manipur, whether it regards Manipur and its people on equal footing with the rest of mainland India or does it considers Manipur only as a buffer state with strategic importance as it is a border state. Is GoI only interested in the militarisation of our state on the pretext of fighting insurgents.

But we are no fools. AFSPA has to go and militarisation of our state must also stop. GoI must be aware that cross-border terrorism will only increase if militarisation continues. The true commitment of the Centre and the insurgent groups for Manipur's prosperity will only be proved through their sincere efforts to come to the dialogue table and not through the use of force and violence.

The challenge is also for the state government and political leaders that will emerge victorious in the recent Assembly polls to serve as a bridge between the insurgents and the Centre for political engagements. Development is not only of projects and getting funds from the Centre but our representatives needs to know the priority and aspirations of its people for a political solution of our land.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of the think tanks of the top ladders of the insurgents to get united under one group and utilise their political acumen to present their united charter of demands to the GoI instead of splitting into numerous factions. If their ideological differences persists their image and struggle will wane in time. Once a political dialogue begins and a ceasefire is agreed upon, AFSPA will be withdrawn with no conditionality attached and moreover a long lasting solution for the conflict in Manipur can be achieved through series of dialogues and negotiations. Yes, it will never be an easy task but a mile's journey has to begin with a single step.

The only hope for Manipur's future and all round development lies in the political stability of Manipur through political will and commitment of the State, Centre and the insurgents to initiate peace – talks. Sharmila's fast and fight against AFSPA with the support of the masses will be fruitful if the root cause of insurgency gets its due attention at the earliest and only when the first step is taken in the right track and right direction. i.e., through initiation of a political dialogue.

Manipur is much more than a buffer state; she needs the right and conducive political environment, peace and tranquillity to explore its latent full potential. In this present era of globalisation, there is no place for violence and “economic diplomacy” is the key word for progress and Manipur can be the Gateway to South- East Asia in terms of trade, transport and what not? We Manipuris deserve our rights, dignity and safe life. The GoI should no longer maintain its characteristic deafening silence but must address the AFSPA's withdrawal from a holistic point of view and stop playing the political gimmick !

Concluded...