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| Former Chief Minister of Manipur |
Manipur, the jewel of India's Northeast, is currently a land grappling with an agonizing paradox. The imposition of President's Rule, a constitutional measure typically invoked to restore order and stability when a state's machinery collapses, has thus far failed to quell the virulent flames of conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. What began as internal political disputes, fueled by historical grievances and contemporary anxieties, has metastasized into a humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands displaced, hundreds dead, and an entire state teetering on the brink. The question that haunts every concerned citizen is: why, despite the central government's direct intervention, does a solution remain so elusive?
The journey to President's Rule in Manipur was not sudden; it was a culmination of escalating tensions that simmered beneath the surface for decades before boiling over into open conflict in May 2023. The immediate trigger was a Manipur High Court directive suggesting the state consider including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. This sparked widespread protests from tribal communities, particularly the Kukis, who feared that such a move would infringe upon their land rights, dilute their existing reservations, and further marginalize them in an already competitive landscape.
However, to attribute the crisis solely to this single judicial pronouncement would be an oversimplification. The roots of the conflict run far deeper, entangled with complex issues of land, identity, resources, and political representation. The Meitei community, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, constitutes the majority and has historically held significant political and economic power. The Kuki and other tribal communities, largely inhabiting the hill districts, have long felt marginalized and neglected, perceiving their ancestral lands as threatened by demographic shifts and the perceived expansionist tendencies of the Meiteis. Issues such as illicit poppy cultivation, deforestation, and the influx of migrants from neighboring countries have further complicated the already delicate ethnic balance, often becoming flashpoints for friction.
The initial outbreak of violence was horrific, marked by arson, mob vigilantism, and widespread destruction of property. The state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, appeared overwhelmed and, to many, compromised. Accusations of bias and inaction against the state administration became rampant, particularly from the Kuki community, who felt that the state machinery was either unwilling or unable to protect them. This perception of a breakdown in constitutional machinery, coupled with the inability of the elected government to control the spiraling violence, inevitably led to the invocation of Article 356 – the imposition of President's Rule.
The expectation was clear: with the central government taking direct control, neutrality would be restored, security forces would act decisively, and a path towards dialogue and reconciliation would be forged. The Governor, acting on behalf of the President, would oversee the administration, and a concerted effort would be made to address the underlying causes of the conflict. Yet, over a year since the initial eruption of violence and several months into President's Rule, a lasting peace remains a distant dream.
The continued failure to resolve the conflict under President's Rule is a grave concern, highlighting several critical shortcomings. Firstly, the sheer scale and deeply entrenched nature of the distrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities are proving to be formidable obstacles. Generations of animosity, fueled by narratives of historical injustices and contemporary grievances, have created a chasm of mistrust that even the most robust administrative interventions struggle to bridge. Both sides feel victimized, and both harbor deep-seated fears about their future and identity.
Secondly, despite the presence of central forces, the law and order situation, while perhaps not as overtly chaotic as in the initial days, remains precarious. Incidents of sporadic violence, arson, and targeted killings continue to be reported. The proliferation of arms within both communities, a terrifying legacy of the initial breakdown, poses a constant threat and makes any de-escalation incredibly challenging. The security apparatus, though under central command, seems to be struggling to disarm the warring factions and restore a sense of absolute security, which is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.
Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, there appears to be a lack of a clear, comprehensive, and empathetic political strategy from the center. While security is paramount, it cannot be the sole approach. True resolution necessitates addressing the core grievances of both communities. This means engaging in sustained, multi-level dialogues that go beyond mere platitudes. It requires acknowledging the legitimate fears of both Meiteis and Kukis regarding land, identity, resources, and political representation. It necessitates finding innovative solutions for issues like the ST status, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of existing rights and the promotion of equitable development across all regions of the state.
The current approach, to many, feels reactive rather than proactive, and focused more on containing the symptoms than curing the disease. There is a palpable absence of a visible, high-level political interlocutor who can command the trust of both sides and facilitate genuine negotiations. The vacuum left by the suspension of the elected government, while constitutionally necessary at the time, has also meant that local political leadership, which could potentially play a role in community-level peace-building, is largely sidelined.
Furthermore, the humanitarian crisis remains largely unaddressed in a holistic manner. Thousands of internally displaced persons are living in relief camps, their lives shattered, their livelihoods destroyed. The psychological trauma inflicted on individuals and communities is immense and will have long-lasting repercussions. While immediate relief is provided, there is a dire need for comprehensive rehabilitation and psychosocial support programs, coupled with a clear roadmap for their safe return and resettlement.
The imposition of President's Rule is not an end in itself; it is a temporary measure designed to create an environment conducive to conflict resolution. Its prolonged existence without significant progress in bridging the Meitei-Kuki divide raises serious questions about its effectiveness and the central government's strategy. The people of Manipur deserve more than just a cessation of overt hostilities; they deserve a durable peace built on mutual respect, justice, and a shared vision for the future.
Until the central government demonstrates a more nuanced, politically sensitive, and human-centric approach that goes beyond mere law and order enforcement, Manipur risks becoming a protracted example of how even direct central intervention can fall short when the underlying causes of conflict are not genuinely addressed, and when the hearts and minds of the warring communities remain deeply alienated. The clock is ticking, and every passing day without a meaningful resolution deepens the wounds and makes the path to healing even more arduous for the beleaguered state of Manipur.
This Article is authored by Adnan Khan, Currently Pursuing MA Political Science in Manipur University.
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