For peace in Manipur, shun narrow-minded politics

Bid to incite political instability and provoke neighbouring state Mizoram pose a significant risk to India’s broader interests and international reputation.

New Delhi

Signs of regaining control are beginning to surface in Manipur, a region embroiled in unrest and violence for the past two months. The harsh impact of such widespread violence can inflict long-lasting damage. Unfortunately, efforts to incite political instability and provoke neighbouring state Mizoram pose a significant risk to India’s broader interests and- international reputation. The tragic loss of approximately 140 lives and the destruction of 50 homes in Manipur, alongside a pervasive atmosphere of distrust and tension, is distressing. Yet, exacerbating the situation with politically-charged chaos is decidedly counter-productive.

In recent years, attempts have been made to sow confusion about the progress, freedom of expression, and influence of social media in northeast India. Responsible politicians and insightful organizations must remember that the most extensive communal violence post-independence occurred in Assam in 1983, resulting in nearly 2,000 fatalities. During this period, the Congress government under Mrs Indira Gandhi’s leadership held central power. Authorities registered 688 cases of violence, and a commission led by Justice Thakkar was established, producing a 600-page report. Despite this, Congress Chief Minister Hiteshwar Saikia did not publicly disclose the report. Legal proceedings for 378 cases continued for months, but were ultimately discontinued under the Assam Accord, signed by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. However, progress has been steady not just in Assam, but across all northeast states.

The northeast has always grappled with socio-political challenges. In 1966, over a thousand Mizo insurgents caused significant disruption in the Lushai hills, destroying bridges, severing telephone lines, and seizing government offices. The crisis escalated to such a degree that the internationally recognized radio station, BBC, reported Mizoram’s separation from India. Insurgency, often aided by external forces, remains active in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. Therefore, immediate action to establish peace in Manipur is crucial.

The state government is criticized for failing to implement adequate preventative measures in a timely fashion against the violence. The widespread circulation of videos on social media, portraying horrific violence against women, further escalated the situation, providing a critical issue for the Opposition. Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in extensive discussions with representatives from the Meitei and Kuki communities over two days, but the situation remained volatile. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly receiving thrice-daily updates on the situation. The central government has assigned the investigation of brutal violence against women and incendiary propaganda to the CBI. This investigation might expose conspiracies and reveal the state administration’s deficiencies and mismanagement.
It is undeniable that foreign agencies and anti-India insurgent organizations are striving to create chaos in Assam and other northeast states.

Both China and Pakistan are keenly searching for opportunities. In the 1970s and 1980s, the central government often sought assistance from patriotic non-governmental organizations and individuals across party lines to counter the activities of the CIA. As India’s power and socio-economic development grow, so too do the challenges.

Maintaining national unity, integrity, and security necessitates goodwill, political collaboration, and effective security management. It is hoped that, by shifting away from narrow-minded politics, peace in Manipur can be restored, and the situation can rapidly improve.

The writer is editorial director of ITV Network—India News and Dainik Aaj Samaj.