Dr Bimol proposes steps to end violence
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 10 2024: In an urgent appeal to union home minister Amit Shah, Inner Manipur MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has outlined a series of measures aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur.

The letter called for immediate action in response to escalating violence, loss of life, displacement of citizens, and socio-economic turmoil.

Drawing parallel between the ongoing conflict in Manipur and the horrors of the 1947 Partition of India, underscoring the gravity of the situation, Dr Bimol questioned whether such a prolonged crisis would have been allowed to persist if it had occurred in states considered "mainstream" or "mainland" India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, or Maharashtra.

He expressed regret that the lives of the people of Manipur seem to hold less significance for the current administration.

Drawing a personal connection, he pointed out that had such violence occurred in Gujarat, Amit Shah's home state, the response would have been vastly different.

Highlighting the emotional connection individuals have with their native place, Dr Bimol emphasised that this empathy forms the foundation for understanding and caring about crisis in other parts of the country.

He lamented the absence of this empathy among those governing today, suggesting that if it were present, the violence in Manipur would not have been allowed to continue unchecked for so long.

Dr Bimol also reminded Amit Shah of Manipur's historical role in India's defence, referencing the Instrument of Accession signed in 1947 by the then Maharajah of Manipur, Bodhchandra, which made the Indian government responsible for the state's protection.

He stressed that the government had a political, moral, and legal duty to uphold this responsibility.

The MP recounted how, during the inauguration of Manipur's first State Assembly in 1948; Maharajah Bodhchandra described the state as "an impregnable fortress and bulwark of defence" for the country.

Despite Manipur's significant contributions to India's national life in fields such as military service, education, sports, and culture, Dr Bimol said the people of the state now feel betrayed by the government's failure to protect them since the violence erupted on May 3, 2023 .

Dr Bimol expressed anguish over the government's failure to contain the violence, which has led to the deaths of hundreds and rendered approximately 60,000 people homeless.

He highlighted the worsening nature of the crisis, including reports of aerial attacks involving weaponised drones and missiles, rampant extortion, and a crumbling economy.

The central focus of Dr Bimol's letter, however, lies in the series of corrective measures he urged the Government of India to adopt without further delay.

He emphasised the necessity for the security forces to act decisively, stating that a more aggressive and judicious approach is required to curb the ongoing violence.

The MP stressed that security agencies must restore law and order with firmness, ensuring that those responsible for the unrest are brought to justice.

Dr Bimol raised serious concerns about allegations of certain security units acting in a biased or partisan manner during the conflict and called for a thorough investigation into these reports, urging the government to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the security forces.

He noted that addressing this issue would go a long way toward healing divisions within the community and preventing further escalation of tensions.

The letter also reflected his strong opposition to the "exclusivist identity politics" that, he argued, is fuelling the crisis.

He urged the government to firmly reject any administrative reforms that reinforce identity-based divisions in society.

According to the MP, such reforms should instead focus on delivering public services equitably and fairly to all citizens.

He warned that giving in to divisive political agendas would not only deepen the existing conflict in Manipur but also set a dangerous precedent for other parts of the country.

The MP also urged the Government of India to ensure that the Inquiry Committee established in June 2023, and led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ajai Lamba, completes its work without unnecessary delays.

He emphasised the importance of releasing the findings of the committee to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process of seeking justice for the victims of the crisis.

A major concern outlined in the letter was the plight of the tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who remain in relief camps under deplorable conditions.

Dr Bimol stressed the need for immediate measures to improve the living conditions of these IDPs.

He called on the government to ensure their safe and dignified resettlement in their original homes.

Dr Bimol also expressed concern on the devastating impact that the violence has had on Manipur's economy.

He called for urgent action to restore the free movement of goods and people on the state's highways, which have been severely restricted due to the unrest.

The MP suggested that the government should consider fiscal relief measures, including tax exemptions, to help alleviate the economic damage caused by the crisis.

A particularly alarming point raised in the letter was the alleged involvement of illegal immigrants, foreign elements, and the illicit drug mafia in the ongoing conflict.

Dr Bimol called for a thorough investigation into these claims, urging the government to take swift action to curb any external influences contributing to the violence.

In addition, the MP highlighted the need for institutional measures to clearly delineate citizens from non-citizens in the state.

He suggested that such steps would help to address underlying tensions and reduce the potential for future conflict.

This would also involve reviewing existing policies, particularly the controversial Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki armed groups.

Dr Bimol expressed concerns that these agreements may have unintentionally fostered violence and illegal activities, calling for a reassessment of the terms of engagement with these groups.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Bimol urged the government to initiate dialogue among the people of Manipur to foster healing and reconciliation.

He pointed to the deep trauma caused by the violence and stressed the importance of addressing this trauma through inclusive and restorative processes.

The MP emphasised that the government must take concrete steps to rebuild trust among the people and ensure that such a tragedy is never allowed to occur again.

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