The powerful RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has spoken on the Manipur crisis, that too on the occasion of Vijayadashami, a day which marks the victory of Good over Evil in Hindu mythology. Yet, it was sort of ‘loud thinking’ where he points an accusing finger at foreign powers (not specifically mentioned) of taking advantage of the present unrest and instability in Manipur.
He asks, how did this mutual discord and hatred suddenly erupt in Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade? Were there extremists from across the border also among those who committed violence? Why, and by whom, was an attempt made to give a communal tinge to this mutual conflict between the Manipuri Meitei and Kuki communities, who were apprehensive about the future of their existence? Who has a vested interest in trying to drag and besmirch an organisation like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which has been engaged in serving everyone without any bias for years, into this unfortunate incident without any reason?
Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of such unrest and instability in Manipur, located between Nagabhoomi and Mizoram in this border area? Does the geopolitics of Southeast Asia also have a role in these events?” Questioning the “instigation of violence” Bhagwat said that violence has prevailed in the north eastern state despite a “strong government” in the country and a state government that wanted peace and stability.
Now, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction?” he further muses. Perhaps, Mohan Bhagwat should come down to Manipur and directly assess the ground situation.
At least we understand that, he is being briefed regularly on the Manipur situation, although we are not so sure about Prime Minister Modi. If Bhagwat comes down he would be able to get first-hand accounts while also providing a bolstering effect on the BJP cadres here. Really, the BJP is caught in a tricky situation now.
Anyway, a powerful speech indeed from Mohan Bhagwat himself! Yet, one is not sure of resolute action given the silent treatment given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the crisis at hand. It might or might not come. However, the arrests made by National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with regard to crimes related to the present conflict and the damning statements of transnational conspiracy hatched from beyond the border somehow seems to speak for itself.
As they say, action speaks louder than words, the NIA and CBI investigations are going on full swing and as per the directives of the Supreme Court the cases are referred to courts outside the state of Manipur. While the investigations taken up and arrests made by these two agencies include cases both in the valley and the hills, we are at a loss why the Kuki CSOs are still crying foul of a partisan approach and action.
For example, the words ‘a transnational conspiracy by Myanmar and Bangladesh based leadership of terror outfits to wage war against the Government of India by exploiting the current ethnic unrest in Manipur’ is used in official press statements both in the case of Seiminlun Gangte, the main accused in Kwakta bomb blast and in the arrest of Moirangthem Anand from Imphal. Therein lays the paradox of the present unrest. Why is there extreme vindication of the charges and allegations from one community only? Why not let the law and investigations take its own course?
