Introduction
The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in a spiral of violence that has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands from their homes. The conflict, which initially erupted in early May last year after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized by the Kuki community to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, has escalated into a full-blown ethnic clash. Members of the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force, have attributed the ongoing violence to what they describe as the "political authoritarianism and ambition" of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his BJP-led government's stance on various issues.
The Blame Game
According to a report by Al Jazeera, citing The Reporters' Collective, an assessment prepared by Assam Rifles officials in Manipur has pinpointed several policies and actions by the state government that have allegedly exacerbated the conflict and caused divisions between communities. The presentation emphasized the "state forces' tacit support" of the clashes and the "dismemberment of law-and-order machinery."
The Congress party has labeled the situation as a "BJP-manufactured crisis" and has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of shirking responsibility for the escalating tensions. On the other hand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has alleged that there have been "attempts to alter Manipur's demography through infiltration" and that the Lok Sabha election is a battle between the forces "trying to break Manipur and those striving to keep it united."
The Roots of the Conflict
The presentation by the Assam Rifles officials delved into various factors that have contributed to the escalation of the situation. One of the issues highlighted was the problem of unauthorized migration from neighboring Myanmar and the resurgence of demands for the creation of Kukiland, a separate homeland for the Kuki community. Additionally, the presentation cited Meitei Revivalism as a contributing factor, with two organizations – Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol – being accused of fueling the conflict. Kuki leaders have accused these groups of spearheading Meitei-led assaults against their people, while Arambai Tenggol has also been accused of targeting members of the Naga community.
The radical Arambai Tenggol group had reportedly 'summoned' nearly all MLAs and MPs in Manipur in January to put forth several demands, including the delisting of Kukis from the scheduled tribes list, revoking the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Centre and Kuki militant groups, and the deportation of refugees to camps in Mizoram.
Government's Response
In response to the ethnic violence in Manipur, the government swiftly implemented a series of measures to address the situation:
Coordination with Manipur Authorities: Beginning on May 3, the central government immediately initiated communication with local authorities in Manipur to assess the situation and devise a plan of action.
Deployment of Security Personnel: To ensure peace and stability, additional security personnel were deployed, including 124 companies from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and 184 columns from the Indian Army/Assam Rifles.
Aerial Surveillance: Helicopters and drones were promptly dispatched to monitor the affected areas and gather crucial information on the ground situation.
Appointment of Security Advisor: Kuldiep Singh, IPS (retd.), was appointed as the security advisor for the government of Manipur, assuming office on May 4, 2023.
Administrative Changes: Vineet Joshi, IAS, was recalled from his position within the Government of India and appointed as the Chief Secretary of Manipur on May 7th, to oversee administrative efforts in managing the crisis.
Ensuring Essential Supplies: The government ensured the uninterrupted supply of essential goods to affected areas, addressing the immediate needs of the impacted communities.
Ministerial Presence: Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1, demonstrating the government's commitment to resolving the crisis and restoring peace.
Stakeholder Engagement: Over 15 meetings were convened, bringing together government officials, security forces, political representatives, and civil society organizations. Additionally, visits were made to areas affected by violence and relief camps, engaging with individuals from diverse communities affected by the conflict.
Judicial Inquiry: To thoroughly investigate the incidents of violence, a commission led by a former high court judge was appointed to inquire into the matter and provide recommendations for justice and reconciliation.
Special Investigation Team: A Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team was tasked with investigating six specific cases related to the violence, ensuring accountability and legal action against perpetrators.
Amit Shah’s Statements
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made several statements regarding the violence in Manipur and the BJP's stance on the issue. He alleged that there have been attempts to alter Manipur's demography through infiltration, and framed the Lok Sabha election as a battle between forces trying to break Manipur and those striving to keep it united.
Shah vowed, "The most important thing is that no matter how much one tries- 'we will not allow Manipur to break.'" He stated that establishing peace in Manipur by taking all communities on board and without breaking the state is the priority of the Narendra Modi government. Shah revealed that Chief Minister Biren Singh had demanded an inner-line permit from PM Modi, claiming Manipur cannot remain united without it. He added that the BJP government has strengthened Manipur by granting inner-line permits.
Referring to the ethnic clashes that erupted on May 3 the previous year, resulting in at least 219 deaths during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, Shah said, "The destiny of the country will change when that of the northeast and Manipur will change." Shah cited PM Modi's statement that there has been a 'marked improvement' in the situation in Manipur due to timely intervention by the Government of India and efforts by the Manipur government. He also mentioned Modi's commitment to finding a solution to the challenge and assuring the people of Manipur of the Parliament's support.
Shah accused the previous Congress governments of ignoring Manipur's development, contrasting it with the BJP-led government's efforts in the past six years, despite the ethnic clashes. He vowed to establish peace without compromising the state's integrity. Shah spoke about sealing the India-Myanmar border and scrapping the free movement regime (FMR), accusing a conspiracy to change Manipur's demography through illegal immigrants from Myanmar. He claimed the FMR was misused for smuggling narcotics.
Shah portrayed the election as a battle between those who want to divide Manipur and those who want to keep it united, accusing the Congress of speaking of division wherever it goes and being responsible for the country's partition. He credited PM Modi's efforts for ushering in peace in the northeast, citing over 10 peace deals signed with terror outfits, resulting in over 9,000 cadres giving up arms. Shah reminded of past ethnic conflicts in Manipur, including between Nagas and Kukis (1992), Meiteis and Pangals (1993), and Kukis and Paites (1997).
Shah highlighted the BJP government's decision to implement the inner-line permit (ILP) regime in Manipur to control entry of outsiders. He contrasted the Congress-led government's ₹39,000 crore for Manipur's development from 2004 to 2014 with the BJP-led government's ₹120,000 crore since 2014. Shah listed development projects undertaken in the state, including highways, rail tracks, air connectivity, and hospitals. He promised that in the next five years, everyone in Manipur will have houses with electricity, toilets, LPG connections, and ₹5 lakh as health insurance.
The document also mentions that Amit Shah conducted a series of meetings with the Chief Minister of Manipur, representatives from the Meitei and Kuki communities, and other stakeholders to assess actions taken towards restoring peace in the state. He emphasized the need for stringent action against those instigating violence and pledged full support from the central government to ensure enduring peace. Shah assured that the government would deploy all necessary measures to safeguard diverse communities in the state, advocated for dialogue with all factions to promote peace, and underscored the urgency of expediting relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Conclusion
The ongoing violence in Manipur has exposed deep-rooted ethnic tensions and the complex interplay of political ambitions, demographic shifts, and competing demands for autonomy and recognition. While the central government has taken steps to restore peace and address the grievances of various communities, the road to lasting reconciliation remains fraught with challenges. It is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue, address the underlying issues, and prioritize the well-being and security of the people of Manipur. Only through a comprehensive and inclusive approach can the state overcome this crisis and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future.
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