I was posted as the Commander Manipur Range of the Assam Rifles in the rank of Brigadier from 2012 to 2014. In those days of heightened insurgency, my formation looked after the entire valley floor of Imphal and the adjoining hills, dealing with more than 30 militant groups. The area of responsibility inhabited almost 60% of the state population; Imphal valley was Meitei dominated and the foothills has Kuki-Zo population. At present, Meitei and Kuki people are in a state of conflict since 3 May 23 when violence erupted suddenly, immediate provocation being the Manipur High Court order recommending ST tribe to the Meitei community. This court order was stayed by the Supreme Court but by then the state was engulfed in conflict and violence. Though the violence levels have come down after a year plus and the situation is being managed much better, an uneasy calm prevails and time has come for the necessary healing touch in the state.
The geography of Manipur has to be understood to know the dynamics of the conflict. The state has an area of 22,327 sq km with a valley floor of just 2000 sq km. It has a population of little over 30 lakhs with about 55% belonging to Hindu Meitei, Nagas at 20% and the Kukis accounting for 16%. Balance population belong to Muslim and other communities. The capital city is Imphal which is located in the valley, the only airport is also here and the area of 2000 sq km is densely inhabited by almost 60% of the population. The Meitei community has been demanding ST status similar to the Kuki-Zo community so that they could buy land in the hills since the valley is fully saturated. Obviously, the Kuki-Zo community which is largely Christian is feeling threatened. The Nagas by and large stays in the upper hill region of the state and have largely not played much role during the unrest in the state.
Having served in the difficult times of 2012-14, one had the satisfaction that near normalcy had come in Manipur by the end of 2014. Based on my experience, I can think of some measures to usher normalcy in this beautiful and strategically important state. The most important healing touch in the strife torn state has to come from the women. Women wield considerable influence on the society in Manipur, particularly in matters of daily lives and well-being of their clan. While men may have the political power, the women folk of Manipur continue to influence the decision making. Be it the organisations like the influential Meira Paibi (Women Torch Bearers) of the Meiteis or Kuki Women Union, they will have to forget and forgive and take the lead to bring both the communities together. Key role can be played by five women MLAs of the state. The ruling BJP has three women MLAs and the party can utilise their services more effectively to provide the healing touch rising above the clan affinity, in the larger state and national interest. The women and children have suffered the most in this conflict and the women have to take lead here for the much-needed reconciliation.
As it happens, both the communities have hardened their stance in this long-drawn conflict. Here the local administration is no exception. Under such a situation, very less can be achieved even with best intentions. A massive administrative overhaul both amongst the bureaucrats and police is urgently needed. Handpicked officers with highest integrity have to be posted who have no personal bias or stake in the affairs. I suggest deputation of competent officers and men from junior to senior positions to replace the existing ones having coloured reputation. It is a tough ask but it has to be done. The existing power structure which is largely compromised now has to be disbanded at the earliest.
Next important role is of the military including the Assam Rifles. With so many weapons having been amassed by both the groups including those looted from the Police armoury, the Army has the tough and painstaking job of disarming the militant groups. I understand that human intelligence network may have weakened but it has to be revived at any cost. The state police also need to be completely overhauled. With the type of human shield being exploited in Manipur, the security forces have the most complex job at hand. It may be equally challenging but the 398 km Indo- Myanmar border of the state has to be quickly fenced, as already decided by Modi 2.0 government. The security forces themselves need huge amount of coordination and I suggest a three-star General officer of the Army with past experience, to be based in Imphal, to head the unified command structure till return to normalcy.
A lot of infrastructure has been destroyed during the conflict. The union government would certainly provide the required financial assistance to Manipur. Most important will be construction of habitat for those displaced. Imphal also figures in the list of smart cities and a lot can be done to skillfully utilize the scarce land of the valley as also the foothills to build modern houses in multi storey configuration. In addition, an attractive surrender policy may also help. Manipur has tremendous scope for tourism and, good amount of infrastructure for tourists can be built in the state, the way it been done for J&K. In due course, the economic well-being of all the communities may the best healing touch.
Media too has been biased in reporting and truthful reporting has been a casualty. Media watchdogs have to quickly descend on Manipur to ensure factual and nuanced reporting as per sensitivities of the situation. Social media also has to be kept under check for the false narratives. Media has the potential to sway the popular opinion from hate and acrimony towards peace and prosperity in the state.
Having personal experience of serving in the state of Manipur, I can say with conviction that fatigue on both the sides with passage of time alone may not resolve the situation any time soon. These brave people have tremendous resilience to withstand hardships if there are no sane voices around. The state needs a caring touch to heal the wounds of victims on both sides of the conflict. ‘Iron Hand in Velvet Glove’ approach is needed; being tough with the armed miscreants and genuine concern for the well-being of the people. The administration and all the stakeholders have to work on war footing to set the stage for the visit of the Prime Minister to the state. We must remember that the PM is the highest executive in the country and therefore call for his visit should be the last resort till clear indications of normalcy are visible. It is also that the Centre appoints a full time Governor of the state with the right credentials.t should further cement the foundation of peace and normalcy in the state. Home Minister and others can visit the state now and after the parliament session. The necessary stage should be set in the state with careful monitoring of the ongoing projects, welfare schemes and reconciliation measures. I sincerely hope and pray for a bright Deepawali followed by the Christmas celebrations this year to mark the beginning of enduring peace in Manipur.
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