Observers are of the opinion that even as incredible “fire-fighting” exercise continues apace in the “Land of Emeralds”, other aspects that need equal attention have, albeit momentarily, been put on the backburner. Gratefully this time the Shakespearean maxim about “when sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions” has not yet visited the beleaguered frontiers!
But it is indeed Manipur that merits the undivided attention of the Indian state at this time. Besides, the primary pointsman for dialogue with belligerent groups, AK. Mishra’s hands, it is reckoned, would be full and his current brief would be to try and salvage an opening and muster the aggrieved parties in Manipur to come together and cull some breathing space for an “uneasy rapprochement” to commence.
A gambit, as has been proffered above, would necessitate some sort of agreement with the Kuki populace. It could have even amicably concluded with N Biren Singh stepping down, which under the circumstances would not have been visualised as a loss of face. In the opinion of this author, it would have actually showcased both magnanimity and statesmanship.
The old times
One is reminded of the time when Lal Thanhawla stepped down from his office in 1986 to make way for Laldenga, the leader of Mizo National Front, so that the latter can become the Chief Minister of Mizoram. Peace returned to the restive state as a result and today Mizoram is one of the most peaceful provinces in the country. The act was part of the negotiation and settlement of the Mizo Peace Accord, but the “stepping down” in the interest of peace necessitated imagination and vision.
This author clearly recalls that there was no hesitation whatsoever for the ruling party of the day to pave way to a grouping which until a few months ago was warring the Indian Security Forces. Leadership is always hailed because of the sacrifices that a statesman makes so that one’s parish may survive, thrive and co-exist.
The gridlock in Manipur will continue until there is an equitable share of power. Power, incidentally, is not tantamount to just parting of land, although it is primarily land that constitutes the primal cause of conflict and power!
At this juncture, this author is merely referring to sharing of political power as the first act of “detente”. The allusion to Mizoram’s history and how transfer of power ushered in durable peace should have been a pointer to the present dispensation in New Delhi. The problem with New Delhi—especially in the last few years—is that its institutional memory—if indeed there is such an animal in its repository—is confined to a strange intellectual arrogance. There is absolutely no effort to either read history or even cull from the recollection of personages that have access to such storehouse.
A curious picture
In any event, it must also be understood that Manipur poses a curious picture with ethnicities criss-crossing and overlapping. There is puzzlement even within Manipur about the social affiliation of say an “Anal”. Is she a Kuki? Or is she a Naga?
The gridlock in Manipur will continue until there is an equitable share of power. Power, incidentally, is not tantamount to just parting of land, although it is primarily land that constitutes the primal cause of conflict and power!
An academician of substance, Prof Gangumei Kamei (Kabui) has interestingly termed the “Anal” in his work “Anal: A Transborder Tribe” as “culturally Kuki and politically Naga”. Such a classification only furthers the confusion. There is also the problem pertaining to “Old Kuki” and “New Kuki”. But notwithstanding the ethnic bewilderments, the fact of the matter is that, as this author continues to hold onto, is his view and what he clearly stated in the Global Order Webinar titled “Rebuilding Trust in the Indo-Naga Peace Process” on 14 March 2022. It was to “rework the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Bill 2021 with provisions that would be acceptable to all of Manipur.
In the Webinar he was of the opinion that a revised version of the aforesaid Bill could redress the long standing inequalities in land purchase rights and present itself as an opportunity to equitably distribute power and lay the foundation for an “Autonomy Plus” deal with the Nagas even as it assuages the concerns of the Valley people. The Webinar can be viewed by accessing https://www.globalorder.live/post/rebuilding-trust-in-the-indo-naga-peace-process.
It is certain that the powers that be in New Delhi watched the programme in which former Union Home Secretary, GK Pillai, Lieutenant General K. Himalay Singh, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM ( Retd), Dr Alex Waterman and this author participated, but there has, unfortunately, been no visible movement on the ground as a result of the efforts that went into erecting the Webinar.
There is also another very important aspect that must be brought to light. A complete mockery was made of the entire Suspension of Operations mechanism that exists in Manipur. Indeed, way back in mid-nineteen twenties, this author (invited as the sole civilian to attend and address the Assam Rifles Annual Commanders’ Conference in Shillong) had pointed out that the adhoc and unofficial “Agreement” with the Kuki groups with the Assam Rifles/Indian Army in Manipur does not augur well.
This author pointed this aspect during his presentation—Shivraj Patil, then Union Home Minister, was present in the conference. It was perhaps only afterwards (this author is not taking credit for the intervention) that the Ministry of Home Affairs “coincidently” formalised the “arrangement” with the Kuki groups. But it is also true that there has been not only exodus from Myanmar and thereabouts of the Kukis into Manipur, but the social formation has utilised land in the state and across for poppy cultivation. But it has to be said that drugs are not the sole preserve of the Kukis, and if reports are to be believed there are “drug-lords”, however small in number, among the Meitei community as well.
But the present comes across as a time when the proverbial pipe is to be smoked.
Call to arms
The conflict and upheaval have a genesis and some would go so far to say that both the warring clusters had reasonable reasons for the “call to arms”. But wars have witnessed armistice. A nation, a people and even mother nature comprehends such an imperative. But why have our people, especially our leaders (with ill-gotten colour and agenda) forgotten that there have been times when leaders have realised that conflict has a grammar that can be altered to array the way to pacifism.
Did not Gandhi stir up an entire nation in order to oust the British? Did he also not once halt a nation-wide movement when he realised that his followers were not treading the “Indian Way”, but was surging ahead with hatred? Now, that was divine leadership with a vision about how a nation needs to be nurtured, with both affection and firmness.
Unfortunately, present day India (or at least a section of India) no longer listens to the soft cadence of a Mahatma who called off an entire nation-wide movement in order to “atone” for a Chauri-Chaura.
The tragic mistake that was made in Manipur was the manner in which P Doungel, the Kuki DGP was removed. It is particularly sad because it has not only sent a very wrong message to the people among whom IPS officers have to work, but have negated past triumphs such as the ones which continues to be lauded when Lieutenant General MA Zaki, PVSM AVSM VrC (Retd), for instance, was made the Security Adviser to the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, a calling which he ably administered despite the fact that he is a Muslim.
General Zaki was fighting terrorists and not the Muslim population of the Valley. It is wondered as to how the “removal” of P Doungel would go down in the annals of India’s national security management. An extremely wrong precedence has been set, one which will continue to haunt India’s secularism that was so thoughtfully enshrined in India’s constitution.
But at this time, the pressing aspect that should occupy New Delhi’s mind, especially as there is a faith deficit for the governance in Imphal, is to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the victims are met without any let and hindrance. Disturbing news that even rations are being pilfered by nefarious in-between parties and are not reaching the starving victims must be addressed without delay.
A fair force
There must also be no attempt to malign a noble force such as the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles for “taking sides”. Allegations that have been making the rounds that the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles are being partisan are completely without basis.
If nothing else the country should recall the manner in which innumerable Indian Army and Assam Rifles personnel have laid down their lives for India—in icy heights, dry deserts and inhospitable tropical marshes of resentment—fighting the nations enemies, foreign and domestic.
This is also not the time for witch-hunting. It can wait, when the present darkness has been dispelled. The accent should now be to read the entrails and act with a sense of judiciousness. As Bapu said, the people of India live in its villages, with the barest of the bare to sustain themselves. Every five years they queue up with expectation in front of polling booths, braving the scorching heat or sub-zero temperature to elect representatives with a hope that such “higher mortals” would ensure them at least a roof over their heads, two square meals and perhaps a life without fear. When such hope is belied they break down in distress. In Manipur, it is not difficult to fathom, that even the ancient Pakhongba was weeping in anguish.
If nothing else the country should recall the manner in which innumerable Indian Army and Assam Rifles personnel have laid down their lives for India—in icy heights, dry deserts and inhospitable tropical marshes of resentment—fighting the nations enemies, foreign and domestic.
In this hour of predicament prudence, atonement and acting selflessly should be the drivers of human character, especially as there are countless in Manipur who have lost everything. Dumbstruck by the events which is overcoming their ordinary lives, Kukis and Meiteis just wanted to survive. Even a life of squalor was acceptable. But this too was denied! The tears for the child who has lost everything, even his dream, too no longer appear. They have meandered away with the life-blood that took away their soul.
But a mantra for sanity should have come from “Top-Down”! The young girl who has lost everything cannot ordain it. Indeed, it is not her job. She had handed over that responsibility to her representative when she—full of hope—had elected him. But betrayal was swift, as was death and destruction.
.Accountability clearly lies with the leaders in New Delhi. Raisina Road can no longer abdicate responsibility for what came over the bejewelled land.
Let sanity return. Let the Sangai once again prance in the “Phundis” (floating grasslands of the Loktak) in gay abandon.
Most of all, it has to be ascertained that (once again as Shakespeare had foretold) “madness in great ones must not (be permitted to) unwatched go.”
