Events & Issues

New Delhi, 1 July 2023

Manipur Crisis

CENTRE’S HEALING TOUCH AMISS    

By Sagarneel Sinha 

It has been around two months since the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis broke out in the north-eastern state of Manipur. This dreadful conflict has already taken over 100 lives and over 40,000 people have been displaced since the violence broke out. Still there are no signs of normalcy returning to this state. It’s another story that the grave situation isn’t getting the coverage it deserves in the national media. 

On June 24, there was an all-party meeting, although belated, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the situation in Manipur. Such meetings should be welcomed but only organising these isn’t enough to restore normalcy in the state, and the Centre should know this. Many leaders of Opposition parties expressed concern over Prime Minister Modi’s silence and at same time opined that if peace has to be restored, the Centre first has to remove its Chief Minister Biren Singh. However, the BJP-led Centre is said to have remained non-committal during the meeting on removing him. 

It is no secret that Biren Singh as Chief Minister, failed miserably to anticipate this violence, despite the fact there were signs of growing dissent. He no longer enjoys the support among the Kukis, who view him as an anti-Kuki politician. Even the Kuki MLAs belonging to the BJP are critical of him. On the other hand, a significant section of Meitei BJP MLAs too has problems with him. They dislike his style of functioning. Let’s note that even before the State slipped into this unending violence, there were clear signs of dissent against Biren Singh.  These came out in the open when Heirok constituency MLA Thokcham Radheshyam belonging to the BJP resigned in April as his Chief Advisor alleging he wasn’t given any responsibility. After his resignation, three more BJP MLAs, Karam Shyam, P Brojen Singh and Khwairakpam Raghumani, resigned from their government posts.  

Recently, even Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education RK Ranjan, who is the MP of Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, has admitted there’s no law and order in the State. His statement came after his residence was torched by a mob and is significant as he is signalling towards the complete failure of his own BJP government. 

However, the BJP’s national leadership till now has avoided taking any action against Biren Singh, whose authority has been severely diminished among the common people. The State is sharply polarised between Meiteis and Kukis, but the BJP doesn’t want to be seen favouring the Kukis by replacing Biren. And it is this view of the BJP, which to many seems to be complicating peace efforts in the State. The party could replace him by appointing another Meitei leader, as there are several chief ministerial contenders within the party. They include power minister Thongam Bishwajit Singh, PWD minister Govindas Konthoujam and education minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh — all from the Meitei community. 

Importantly, the Kukis have expressed their unhappiness over the inclusion of Biren Singh in the 51-member peace committee headed by Governor Anusuiya Uikey. The committee was formed after Amit Shah’s belated four-day visit to the state, wherein he engaged with all sections of people and even visited the remote town of Moreh, situated on the India-Myanmar border. His visit was promising but the results are yet to be seen as violence is being reported every other day. A dialogue between the communities is much needed. 

One of the first steps that must be taken by the Centre to restore peace is by replacing Biren Singh with another Meitei MLA and appointing a deputy chief minister from the Kuki community. This way the Meiteis won’t feel alienated. Further, the Centre could even consider having another deputy chief minister from the Naga community, given that the government has two ministers from the Naga community, belonging its ally, Naga People’s Front. This way both the Kukis and Nagas (the latter are not involved in the violence), won’t feel neglected. 

Remember, this north-eastern state is ethnically diverse. The Meiteis account for over 50% of the population, whereas Kukis and Nagas account for 30% and 15% respectively. While Kukis and Nagas are followers of Christianity, Meiteis have a religious diversity. Majority of them are followers of Hinduism while a section follow Sanamahism, a local religion. Another section of Meitei practice Islam, and are called Meitei Pangals. There is also a small percentage of Christians among the Meitei community. 

Thus, keeping in mind this diversity, the Centre needs to install an ethnically diverse government with a new chief minister. It could also ensure that ministers belonging to the Kuki and Naga communities be given crucial ministries, so that the representation is not limited to mere tokenism. At the same time, the demand by some for Presidential rule may not be appropriate in the long run as the State can’t be ruled from New Delhi to regain confidence of the people and address the trust deficit. A new chief minister could send a strong message that New Delhi is willing to listen and take a step forward, even though it would hurt the BJP’s image.   

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi would do well to break his silence as sadly he hasn’t spoken a word since violence broke out on May 3. And though Amit Shah says that Modi is regularly monitoring the situation, it doesn’t help matters. The people of the state, particularly the Meiteis and Kukis, are eagerly waiting to hear his ‘Manipur Ki Baat’. Remember, Modi has his own popularity among the masses, and his message of peace may have an effect. Not just this, perhaps a visit to the State could help calm down tempers, as his silence is deafening, rekindling the alienation felt amongst the north-eastern states. 

At the same time, politics must be put in the backburner. Attempts to stop Rahul Gandhi from visiting relief camps in Churachandpur on Thursday, by stopping his convoy midway and asking him to take a helicopter, hasn’t gone down well with Congress supporters. The question being asked was “If Amit Shah could go to Churachandpur, why not Rahul Gandhi?” He did eventually get there in a state government-provided chopper and interacted with the people. The message being “Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority.” Precisely, an endevour needed by all concerned.   

Lastly, it’s critical that no community be dehumanised. Both Meiteis and Kukis are victims of this ethnic violence. Both communities have their own concerns, and these must be addressed by removing all barriers at the earliest. It needs to be noted that the unending violence has also given rise to refugee crises in neighbouring States, particularly Mizoram, where over 10,000 people are said to have taken refuge. Time is running out for the Centre. Before the fire spreads to other States in the region, it must act, and act decisively to restore peace. ---INFA 

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)