Five Unconnected Dots of Manipur violence

Rajiv Kumar Srivastava - Social Analyst

First, two judgments of the Manipur High Court are being cited prominently in media as the reasons for the violence that broke out in the state since 03 May . This is far from the truth. Extent for violence has not yet been assessed. It is estimated that 60 people have lost their lives and common people have suffered heavy losses as their houses burnt and valuable looted. The first order of the court was given on 27 March on the writ petition of M Chunamani, which was in the context of inclusion of Maiti community in the reservation. Another order of the Manipur High Court, which had nothing to do with reservation, came on 04 April, according to which three churches built on government land in Imphal East were removed on 10 April. Both these orders were given weeks before eruptions of violence. These two orders at different time line were not taken spontaneous cognizance by ethnic groups , yet they were publicised as the main reason for the violent incident in May and a narrative was build up to divert attention from the real cause of violence. The contours of the violence were prepared in March-April itself, selective usage of both the judicial decisions of the High Court was made. After the removal of the churches on 10 April , two prominent faultlines emerged , in which state government was on one side and Naga and Kuki tribes on the other side. Differences beyond reconciliation purely for ethnic hardlines .

Second, communal disharmony was cited as the another main reason for the violence. It makes sense. Most of the Naga and Kuki tribals living in the hilly areas are Christians. Removal of three unauthorized churches in Maieti dominated Imphal East area on on 10 April created a confusion among Kuki tribal people. Political parties did not take appropriate action to mitigate it. But some people also gave it a communal colour to strengthen their influence among the Maiti dominated forty assembly seats in the plains. They projected themselves as saviour of religious faith from conversion to Christianity. The ruling party of Manipur was following Yogi Adityanath’s disciplinary action on non-Hindu religious places, which could not be possible due to large concentration of ethnic population in different areas.

Third, violence had political patronage. The ruling party has an absolute majority in the assembly, as a result of which they ignored the sentiments of the Naga and Kuki tribes. In April, some legislators of the government were demanding a change of the Chief Minister and resigned from various state corporations. They went to Delhi to demand his ouster. In the meantime, the Kuki tribals organised protest rallies against the state government to cease eviction from hill and forest areas in three districts on 10 March, which were allegedly also supported by Kuki militants. The peaceful protest turned violent in these districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal, in which five people were injured. Concurrently there was a protest against the state government's crackdown on opium cultivation and encroachment on forest land also. Following the events of 10 March, the Manipur government unilaterally withdrew from the Tripartite Talks and Suspension of Operations (SOO) signed with three Kuki insurgent organisations-the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA). separated himself. The Union Home Ministry has not yet given its approval to this decision. It was also reported that cadres of the KNA, ZRA, and KRA were inciting opium cultivators in the state against the government. In such a situation, the cancellation of the Chief Minister's visit to Churachandpur on 28 April triggered the fire. On 27 April , the Kukis, who were scared of losing their ancestral land, called a bandh which turned violent. Valley based political parties were pursuing their interests in removing Kuki and Christian Church from Imphal. When violence broke out, prohibitions were immediately imposed in Kuki areas but delayed for some time in Imphal, resulting in loss of life and property. The truth about the burning of the police station and the taking away of weapons from there will be known only through a judicial inquiry.

Fourth, the heroic deeds of Meera Paibo of Manipur in maintaining social harmony were downplayed. Women especially mothers have an important place in Manipur. They as a group have raised their voice against social evils and excessive use of force by the security forces. These mothers who used to guard the society at night with a torch, and hence are known as Meera Piibo or mother with a torch in Manipuri language. In this spectrum of violence, benevolent stories of mothers emerged. At many places they saved lives of many from particular community from anti-social elements by forming a cordon around them. Such news was prominently given at one or two places only. Apart from this, the women of Manipur have brought laurels to the country in world class sports. Their request to stop the violence further strengthened the works of Meera Paibo. Anti-social and political parties do not have courage to act against these courageous Manipur's mother. They were afraid that Meera Paibo would get the benefits from restoration of peace. Credit goes to group of Meera Paibo in restoring peace. And their social work in restoring peace is underway silently.

Fifth, political parties and terrorist groups have been using the state of Manipur as an ATM. The international border of Manipur and Myanmar is adjacent to the drugs triangle of the world. Area opposite Moreh of Manipur is a den of international smugglers. An integrated check post has also been set up here to promote trade. But from here more than thirty crore worth of high quality narcotics, medicinal drugs, cigarettes, gold, precious stones, weapons, pulses and other things are traded daily. Red sandalwood, rare animal birds, medicines, rice and leather are sent from India. This business is meticulously accounted for and a fair share is apportioned to the terrorists, the ruling party and the security forces. The ruling dispension earns crores from this business, a major part of which goes to Delhi. Trucks loaded with illegal goods, if they do not pay money to the terrorists and security forces at different fixed check posts, then the trucks are either burnt and the drivers are arrested or kidnapped by terrorists group. The fight is also over the division of this money as too many stake holders claim the booty. If you want to experience this whole system, then become an ordinary citizen of India, visit Nagaland and Manipur once and walk on the road at night. This journey is not recommended for the weak hearted people. How courageous you are will be tested in this Amrit Mahotsav period of freedom.