It is true, nobody can predict when this Manipur unrest will end. Yet, one does not expect such a discouraging statement from responsible persons charged with governing the state. The whole state is earnestly praying for a kind of normalcy where the common people could lead at least a semblance of the normal life they once had, when internally displaced citizens could return to their original home and hearth and bury the hatchet for the sake of the future generation. Well, the present situation is not that rosy and conducive for peace efforts to work. But, for authorities to lose hope at such a critical juncture is disastrous for the whole state.
A cursory assessment of the situation would reveal that violence and clashes have reduced greatly to a minimum level except for some stray incidents. The dead bodies had finally been laid to rest or final rituals conducted. This has resulted in at least lowering the tension and tenor of unresolved issues. The enmity is more of ’virtual clashes’ or rhetoric in the social media. The hate and enmity are still there, if not increased in volume or tenacity, as one scans the posts and comments in Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and a host of other platforms. This will also mellow down in course of time. So, all hope is not lost as made out to be. One needs to have an open mind and be optimistic while dealing with the delicate nature of ethnic relations in the state.
Unfortunately, the statement of the head of government on the ‘hopelessness’ of the present situation seems like he is trying to wash his hands off the problem. Yes, we agree that as long as there are elements within and without hell-bent on disturbing the territorial integrity of the state there will not be peace. But, the forces which threaten the fabric of the entity called Manipur had always been there. The ethos of a shared common historical experience and continuing experiments at cultural integration were rudely disturbed when British imperialists landed in Manipur.
The wedge driven by the British between the hills and valley during colonial times had created an artificial barrier and further led to the rise of ethnic aspirations. That is Manipur, that the present generation had inherited. Even with the lapse of British paramountcy and subsequent ‘merger’ with the newly formed Indian Union, the remnants of British divisive policies continue to linger.
So, to be befuddled by such divisive trends and ethnic aspirations would be like crying over spilt milk. Instead of lamenting our fate and predicament, we should be trying to overcome the hurdles before us and not to be easily disheartened. Once again, we must insist that divisive forces are not a recent phenomenon in the state and even after resolution of the present unrest the forces will still linger. The ultimate antidote lies in not being overawed by this phenomenon. We must continue to confront the forces of disintegration from wherever it comes, within and without.
As for return of peace and normalcy in the state, we are indeed indebted to Governor Anusuiya Uikey as she continues to engage with different stakeholders. We are not privy to any Track 2 process initiated by her office. But somehow, we feel something is in the works and we earnestly pray that she succeeds in the endeavour. And we have no other alternative but to bank on her efforts as the attitude of either the state or central government is not very encouraging. Still, we must not lose hope in both governments turning around for the sake of peace.
