No peace through separation or arms: Archbishop Neli
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 26 2024: Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal has stressed that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved through the separation of ethnic communities or by constructing walls along the borders.

In a pointed critique of current government plans, Neli argued that building a 1,600-ki-lometre-long separation wall on the Myanmar border, as proposed by the state, will not address the underlying issues fuelling violence in Manipur.

In an interview with Agenzia Fides, a Christian information agency, the Archbishop reflected on the crisis lingering for over ayear, emphasising that "Peace and reconciliation in Manipur cannot be based on the separation of ethnic communities.

They will not be achieved by building a new separation wall on the border with Myanmar".

He warned, "Peace will not be achieved by rearming ethnic groups, as is dangerously happening between the Kuki and Meetei communities but achieved by resuming dialogue and negotiations, and pursuing path of equality and justice that overcomes old rivalries and ethnic claims".

Archbishop Neli contextualised the violence within the state's complex ethnic and cultural landscape, which has long been fraught with tension.

Northeast India, encompassing the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, and the Himalayan state of Sikkim, is geographically isolated from the rest of the country and connect ed only by a narrow corridor known as the Siliguri Corridor.

This isolation, Neli noted, has contributed to a sense of alienation from the Central government in New Delhi.

The Archbishop explained that the northeastern states were founded to provide indigenous communities the opportunity to preserve their identities while contributing to the Indian federation through their rich cultural heritage.

However, many of these communities remain small and are only beginning to adapt to the highly competitive world of modern India.

These tensions have been further exacerbated by religious divisions, with the Meetei being predominantly Hindu and the Kuki and Naga communities largely Christian.

Manipur, in particular, is unique in India as a state with a Christian majority, while the Meetei community remains a Hindu minority.

Archbishop Neli expressed deep concern over the government's response to the violence, criticising both the state and the centre for failing to develop a clear political vision to resolve the crisis.

He warned that rearming the ethnic groups and creating military checkpoints between Meetei and Kuki areas may have temporarily broken the cycle of violence but had not addressed the underlying trauma, hatred, or desire for revenge.

Reflecting on his role as a neutral figure in the region's conflict, Archbishop Neli, who belongs to the Naga ethnic group, shared that he has been able to visit different communities in Manipur, including Kuki and Meetei areas.

During these visits, he has sensed a "clear desire" among the people for peace.

"People are hungry and thirsty for peace", Neli said, emphasising the urgent need for a political solution.

The Catholic community, which has strong representation in the region, has been providing support and food to more than 1,000 Catholic Kuki refugees who were displaced from areas like Imphal, where they previously lived.

"We have also built small wooden houses where they can stay," Neli said, illustrating the Church's commitment to helping those affected by the violence.

At the political level, Neli expressed doubts about the efficacy of the Central government's plan, announced by Home Minister Amit Shah, to address the crisis.

"The central government has long neglected Manipur and the response to dealing with the violence has been inadequate.

There has been no clear political vision, and now the social, employment , and economic crisis is deepening in the entire state," he said.

Looking ahead, Neli suggested that a potential solution could involve creating two autonomous administrative units or possibly designating Kuki districts as a Union State, directly dependent on the Central government.

However, he emphasised that any solution must be rooted in dialogue and negotiation, with a focus on creating geographical and socio-cultural harmony.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which calls for global solidarity and fraternity, Archbishop Neli concluded by stressing the importance of recognising the shared humanity of all people.

"This process starts from a fundamental assumption that must be accepted by all: the recognition of others as 'brothers in humanity'.

This is the basis that allows coexistence even between peoples who differ in language, history, ethnicity, culture, and religion," he said.

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