John Brittas
What’s happening in Manipur, coupled the deafening silence of the prime minister, indicates a lack of political will or plan to foster reconciliation among the warring communities. Instead of being a peacemaker, BJP chief minister Biren Singh is seen as an impediment to the process of rapprochement
MANIPUR has been on fire for over two months now, while our prime minister remains conspicuously silent. The picturesque valleys and majestic hills of India's cherished "jewel" are ablaze, leaving both the centre and the state, both governed by the BJP, utterly clueless. A recent visit to Manipur and interactions with a cross-section of people gave insights into the crisis that has gripped the state, resulting from the collective failings of both the central and state governments. One can return from Manipur only with the agonising trauma of the growing mistrust among different groups, and the rift that deepens with each passing day.
The common dictum that no riot can persist for more than 24 hours unless sanctioned by the government or dominant ideology holds true in Manipur, where intense gun battles persist despite the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel. Why is it that Manipur is not able to return to normalcy yet? The answer is straightforward: without an effective civil administration, the armed forces can do very little. Military interventions have proven ineffective in various contexts, particularly when two factions within the same community are engaged in conflict. The responsibility for devising a comprehensive strategy lies ultimately with the civilian political leadership. However, with the absence of even a semblance of effective administration, Manipur continues to endure profound suffering.
A delegation of Left parliamentarians, including Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharjee, Binoy Viswam, K Subbarayan, P Santhosh Kumar, and the writer of this report, went on a three-day visit to various refugee camps, locations affected by ethnic conflicts, and held meetings with a diverse cross-section of the people. Ksh Santa Singh, secretary of CPI(M), and L Thoiren Singh, secretary of CPI, also accompanied the delegation. The situation in Manipur is far more dire than what is being reported by the media or acknowledged by the government. The state has been engulfed in a severe crisis due to ethnic clashes, with significant implications not just for the northeast region but for the entire nation. Manipur has become a breeding ground for countless narratives and counter-narratives, intertwining myths, rumours, and historical perspectives to reinforce different lines of thinking. It is important to ponder over the effectiveness of the internet shutdown, as it has transformed the state into an information void. Many right-thinking members of the civil society are of the opinion that due to the internet shutdown, not only has economic activity ground to a halt, but the shutdown has also impeded the dissemination of accurate information, thus exacerbating false news and malicious rumours. In an era where life revolves around data, the entire state has regressed into a pre-information age, leaving the people with no reliable sources to rely on.
The delegation observed the escalating divide between the Meitis and Kukis, as a cloud of claims and counterclaims hangs over the region. Each side remains resolute in their allegations and accusations: the Kukis are portrayed as infiltrators, engaged in poppy cultivation and encroaching upon forest lands. Conversely, the Meitis are accused of orchestrating deliberate actions to undermine the Kukis, erode their cultural identity, and usurp their rights.
It is curious to note that our interactions with any group are consistently accompanied by a historical narrative, often delving into the era preceding British colonisation. Vast amounts of materials are circulating from both sides, accusing each other for the mayhem and violence prevailing in the region. Leaflets from organisations like the Lamka Resurgence Squad, representing the Kuki community, have already concluded that the majority of political issues in Manipur stem from the forced administrative unification of Meitis with tribals. They openly advocate for the idea that peace and cooperation can only be achieved through separate administrations. The acronym SOS has now taken on a new meaning for them: "Separation only Solution."
The Biren Singh government, in its few years, has bred a deep-seated animosity and hatred among various ethnic groups. As usual, the BJP lured everyone into a fabricated narrative that it was working for the welfare of all communities. However, in their second term, their true intentions have been laid bare. The chief minister himself actively spearheaded the heinous plan of the Sangh Parivar, pitting one community against another and fuelling polarisation within the state. It was shocking to witness the CM leading an orchestrated campaign to defame and vilify another ethnic community, further exacerbating the growing divisions. During the delegation's meeting with Archbishop of Imphal, Rev Dominic Lumon, who had submitted a comprehensive report on the violent unrest on June 15, they discussed the unfolding events and emerging trends in the state. The 75-year-old Archbishop expressed his dismay at the communal direction that the ethnic conflicts had taken in various parts of Manipur. He revealed that over 350 churches had been burnt and numerous schools associated with them vandalised, particularly in areas inhabited by the Meitis. Additionally, several Meiti temples were also targeted and destroyed. Members of the civil society who met and interacted with the delegation shared numerous accounts of places of worship being deliberately attacked with ulterior motives.
The delegation paid a visit to the Catholic school and church located in Canchipur, near Manipur University, which were vandalised. Shockingly, the church was completely burnt using gas cylinders. Fr Titus Zimik, the assistant parish priest who was present during the attack, shared a harrowing account of the incident. Even now, he remains deeply traumatised by the events that transpired.
Notably, the Canchipur Catholic School has over 4,500 students, with over 90 per cent of them belonging to the Meiti community. Surprisingly, only around 100 students are from the Catholic community. Despite this, the school was specifically targeted, seemingly with the intention of forcing them out. Although the school has resumed its operations under the direction of the administration, the attendance rate of students has remained verylow, with not more than 10 per cent of the students returning to classes.
In Sangaiprou, Sister Annie, who is in-charge of St Joseph School with 4,500 students, shares a similar tale. The school faced a brutal attack, resulting in the complete destruction of the church located within its premises. It is worth noting that this institution is situated in close proximity to the Imphal airport, underscoring the alarming freedom with which armed groups moved around within the city, seemingly with support and patronage. There is widespread destruction of residential homes, shops, business centres, temples, churches, schools, and various other properties, both in the valley and the hills of Manipur.
On the first day, the delegation visited two refugee camps in Khundrakpam, located in the outskirts of Imphal city. These camps, namely Naorem Birahari College and the National Sports Centre, have provided shelter to hundreds of Meiti families who were compelled to flee from the hills. Witnessing the distressing conditions faced by lactating mothers and their infants, cramped within congested spaces, is certain to move even the sternest of hearts. Thokchom Lokeshor Singh, a Congress MLA and former Speaker, accompanied the delegation during these visits. Lokeshor himself became overwhelmed with emotions when he spoke about the utter collapse of the administration. Despite his efforts through an effective network, his appeals fell upon deaf ears. Lokeshor emphatically stated, "The magnitude of the catastrophe that has befallen Manipur is unprecedented, and the people of Manipur will never forget the prime minister's silence."
In the subsequent days, the delegation proceeded to visit several other camps, including the largest one known as Thongju Kendra Camp situated in Ideal Girls College in Imphal East. This particular camp accommodates 740 people, primarily consisting of displaced people from villages in Churachandpur and Moreh, which are located near the Myanmar border. As the main road connecting the valley to the hills is blocked, the delegation had to rely on a helicopter to reach Churachandpur, where multiple Kuki refugee camps are set up. Many of the Kukis residing in these camps are from the valley and have been relocated there under the supervision of paramilitary forces.
Regardless of whether the camp is inhabited by Meitis or Kukis, there is a poignant resemblance among all the residents, as they are haunted by the anguish of their shattered lives and livelihoods. They witnessed their loved ones being ruthlessly shot before their eyes and their homes being engulfed in flames. Amidst the cycle of attacks and reprisals, they were forced to seek refuge in these camps, carrying with them nothing but an overwhelming sense of uncertainty for the future.
The delegation paid a visit to Governor Anusuya Uikey at Raj Bhavan and apprised her of the ground situation. They shared the various insights and feedback gathered during their visit, and the governor was requested to act upholding her constitutional responsibilities. During an open and extensive discussion lasting over half an hour, the governor expressed her feelings of helplessness in light of numerous challenges. She candidly acknowledged that she had never encountered such alarming and intimidating events before, and stated that everything has been she had diligently reported to the president, prime minister, defence minister, and home minister. The delegation conveyed their opinion that Chief Minister Biren Singh has lost all legitimacy and credibility, and is viewed as an obstacle to reconciling the warring groups. They explained that under Biren Singh's leadership, regaining the confidence of a big section of the population would be difficult, rendering peace efforts futile. The delegation also referred to the unnerving silence of the prime minister, which has deeply unsettled the people and demoralised the civil society.
The Sangh Parivar has been very active in Manipur and other North Eastern states, promoting their cultural project aimed at establishing uniformity. The concept of Akhand Bharat, as envisioned by Savarkar and Golwalkar, is being actively promoted by affiliated organisations that propagate myths and rumours. The cleverly constructed Hindutva narrative, coupled with escalating polarisation, can be seen as the fundamental factor contributing to the current crisis. The growing mistrust and divisions have a detrimental impact on the entire nation. In this regard, Manipur serves as a valuable lesson, showcasing the consequences that lie ahead when the Sangh Parivar establishes new laboratories for the mass production of animosity and hatred.
(The writer was part of the five member CPI(M)-CPI MPs delegation that visited Manipur)
