Even Small Steps Towards Normalcy Could Go a Long Way In Healing The Wounds Of Manipur

One of the seven northeastern sister states, Manipur, is in a state of chaos. The impact of the burning unrest in Manipur is now spilling beyond the region, even reaching the ongoing Parliament session.

More than 150 lives have been claimed in the ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei tribes. Thousands have been injured, and over 60,000 displaced. Nearly 12,000 people have reportedly migrated to Mizoram. Hundreds of homes, places of worship, and vehicles have been destroyed. Government armories have been looted, with some reports suggesting about 4,000 weapons and half a million rounds of ammunition have been stolen. This has left both sides of the conflict well-stocked with arms and ammunition, contributing to the persistence of the violence.

In addition, many instances of sexual violence against Kuki women by Meitei militias have emerged. There is growing evidence of the weaponization of atrocities against women amidst the ethnic conflict. The viral video released on 19 July shows an alleged Meitei mob publicly parading two Kuki women naked and sexually assaulting them. One of the women was reportedly gang raped.

This horrific video has outraged the nation and brought national attention to the three-month-long unrest in the state. False reports of a Meitei woman being raped in a Kuki-majority area reportedly sparked the incident captured in the video. Such a tragic event deeply wounds a civilization that reveres women as the foundational force of existence, as manifestations of divine power, and as God’s most valuable creation. This incident shames a culture whose scriptures are filled with verses extolling feminine energy. Even the harshest action may not be enough to erase this stain. Yet, there is little evidence of significant action being taken. The state administration’s response has been woefully inadequate, treating this as an ordinary crime. The FIR was only registered after two months when the video went viral. Such a lackadaisical response from an administration led by a Chief Minister who downplayed the crime by stating that hundreds of similar cases have occurred in the past three months is truly disheartening.

What has led to a situation where the state administration seems utterly hopeless? While the ground situation is undoubtedly complex, there’s ample evidence suggesting the state government’s failure to take timely and effective action, resulting in an escalating crisis.

On 3 May, Kuki organizations called for a solidarity rally in 10 out of the state’s 16 districts. The outbreak of violence could have been thwarted had the government put adequate security measures in place at sensitive locations on that day. Notably, 72 people, including 60 Kukis residing in the Imphal valley, were killed during the first three days of subsequent violence. Interestingly, Meitei mobs targeted armories on the day of the rallies, leading to suspicions of orchestrated violence. The state police stand accused of allowing Meitei rioters to make off with assault rifles, long-range guns, and even 51 mm mortars. The actions of police officers belonging to the Kuki tribe in their respective areas were allegedly similar, although on a smaller scale.

The credibility of the security apparatus is visibly undermined. The Kukis have little faith in the local police, which has a Meitei majority. Conversely, the Meiteis accuse the central forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, of favoring their rivals. This deep-seated mistrust resulted in the failure of peace efforts by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Despite forming a committee comprised of the state Chief Minister, elected politicians, and representatives from both communities on 10 June, his attempts were futile.

At this stage, dissecting the reasons that ignited the violence serves little purpose. Pointing fingers at the controversial court decision — urging the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Meiteis — is equally fruitless. The verdict was issued in the last week of March but only became public on the Manipur High Court’s website on 19 April. The Apex Court stayed the verdict on 17 May, yet this has done little to improve the situation on the ground.

The critical question at this stage is how to restore normalcy in the state. A potentially effective solution could be to institute a neutral administration in Manipur, one capable of restoring faith in the state apparatus among both communities. It’s clear that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has lost the confidence of the people. His inability to maintain law and order is indisputable, regardless of what his supporters argue. The Union Government should prioritize the well-being of the state over politics and promptly declare President’s rule in the state. This step would place the security forces under the direct control of the central government.

In the past, various central governments have usually resorted to this severe measure in the face of critical situations. For instance, in 1993, the central government dismissed the Manipur state government when armed clashes broke out between Meitei Hindus and Muslim Pangals on one side, and Nagas and Kukis on the other. Manipur has experienced President’s rule ten times since its inception, the most recent being in 2001 when the state government lost its majority in the Assembly. Taking this step now could significantly alleviate the Kukis’ suspicions. However, it could also stoke Meitei sentiments if the administration does not handle the situation with care and maturity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement expressing regret over the disturbing video has emboldened Kuki women to disclose the atrocities committed against them. Modi’s popularity in Manipur mirrors that in other parts of the country. Both Kuki and Meitei communities have voted for him in the past two elections. His personal appeals for peace could significantly impact the current situation. Moreover, he could visit the conflict-ridden areas to provide a healing touch and assure both communities that their interests will be protected. After all, his administration has managed to quell stone-throwing protests in Kashmir and separatism in Punjab. Consequently, finding a solution for Manipur should be well within his capabilities.

While declaring President’s rule in any state is the prerogative of the central government, prioritizing measures to halt sexual violence against women should be paramount. This not only involves ensuring swift justice for victims but also providing them with necessary social and psychological support.

Even seemingly minor steps towards bridging the divide between Kukis and Meiteis can have substantial effects. For instance, many unclaimed bodies still lie in mortuaries because neither Kukis nor Meiteis can venture into each other’s territories. The government could arrange for these individuals to receive dignified last rites. Indeed, monumental solutions often begin with small efforts.