Think professionally, beyond political gains, for peace in Manipur

Army personnel stand guard near razor-wire barricades outside Manipur’s Leimakhong Army Camp of the 57th Mountain Division. (Photo via FB)

In the lush hills and valleys of Manipur, the humanitarian tragedy of unprecedented magnitude continues to unfold, revealing the complex tapestry of ethnic tensions that have long simmered beneath the surface of India’s northeastern frontier. The ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities represents more than a mere ethnic and territorial dispute; it is a profound manifestation of deep-rooted historical grievances, political marginalization, and the intricate challenges of maintaining unity in India’s diverse sociopolitical landscape.

The violence that has gripped Manipur is not a sudden eruption but the culmination of decades of systemic neglect, political mismanagement, and the persistent challenge of integrating diverse ethnic identities within a unified national framework. The state, nestled along India’s eastern border with Myanmar, has long been a crucible of complex ethnic dynamics, where traditional tribal structures intersect with modern political institutions in often volatile ways.

The administration of Biren Singh, the chief minister, has been particularly criticized for its inability to manage the escalating tensions. The recent withdrawal of support by the National People’s Party (NPP), which is led by the Meghalaya chief minister, Conard Sangma, serves as a damning indictment of the government’s failure to address the fundamental issues driving the conflict. The political manoeuvrings reveal a stark reality: power preservation has consistently trumped genuine conflict resolution.

The human cost of this protracted conflict is staggering. Thousands have been displaced, with communities torn apart by violence that seems to follow a cyclical pattern of retaliatory attacks. The massacre of six Meiteis, including three women and three children, after kidnapping them in the state’s Jiribam district represents a nadir in this spiral of violence, exposing the fragility of social cohesion and the depth of communal mistrust.

From a geopolitical perspective, Manipur’s strategic location adds layers of complexity to the conflict. The 1,643-kilometre India-Myanmar border, which traverses the state, is not merely a cartographic line but a dynamic zone of cultural exchange, illicit trade, and potential security challenges. The proposed border fencing strategy must navigate a delicate balance between national security imperatives and the traditional cross-border movements of ethnic communities.

The deployment of central armed police forces (CAPFs) and the reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) represent traditional, security-centric approaches that have historically proven ineffective in addressing the root causes of ethnic conflicts.

After the Jiribam atrocity, which was preceded by the killing of at least 10 suspected Kuki militants in a gunbattle with security forces, 90 additional companies of CAPFs have been deployed in the state, which is about 10,500 additional troops. This brings the total number of CAPF personnel deployed in the state to a whopping 288 companies. Apart from that, the AFSPA has been extended to more areas, including the Imphal valley.

However, these measures, while providing no more than short-term containment of violence, risk further alienating local populations and exacerbating existing tensions.

Comparative studies of ethnic conflicts worldwide suggest that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military intervention alone. The Manipur crisis demands a nuanced, multi-dimensional approach that addresses historical grievances, promotes intercommunity dialogue, and creates robust institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution.

The potential role of national leadership, particularly the prime minister, Narendra Modi, cannot be overstated. A direct, empathetic intervention could potentially reset the narrative of conflict. This would require moving beyond tokenistic gestures to facilitating genuine dialogue, understanding the historical context of the tensions, and demonstrating a commitment to inclusive governance.

Central to any sustainable solution is the need to develop integrated civic action programmes that transcend mere security paradigms. These initiatives must focus on economic development, educational opportunities, and creating platforms for inter-community dialogue. The successful strategies employed by CAPFs in addressing left-wing extremism in several states, like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, offer valuable insights.

The international dimension of the conflict cannot be ignored. Manipur’s proximity to Myanmar, a region itself grappling with complex ethnic tensions and political instability, adds another layer of geopolitical complexity. The cross-border dynamics of ethnic identity, migration, and economic interdependence require sophisticated diplomatic and administrative approaches.

Proposed solutions must include immediate measures, such as removal of the chief minister, dissolving the current legislative assembly, imposing president’s rule, and establishing a consensus government that genuinely represents the diverse ethnic and political spectrum of Manipur. This would require unprecedented levels of political will and a commitment to prioritizing peace over partisan interests.

The broader implications of the Manipur crisis extend far beyond the state’s boundaries. It represents a critical test of India’s federal structure, its ability to manage ethnic diversity, and its commitment to ensuring the dignity and security of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

As the nation contemplates its response, the urgency of the situation demands more than rhetorical commitments. It requires a fundamental reimagining of governance, a genuine commitment to understanding and addressing historical grievances, and a vision of inclusive development that transcends narrow ethnic or political considerations.

The path to peace in Manipur is neither straightforward nor quick. It demands patience, empathy, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. The alternative – continued cycles of violence and displacement – threatens not just the social fabric of Manipur, but the very principles of unity and diversity that form the cornerstone of India’s democratic vision.

The world watches, hoping that wisdom, compassion, and a genuine commitment to human dignity will ultimately prevail in this troubled region. Therefore, it is imperative for the political leadership to act without weighing and calculating political gains.

^Disclaimer:^{The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of India Sentinels.}

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