Manipur imperative: Peace & political process

Context & The Gist

The article addresses the continuing crisis in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule for nearly 11 months. The recent killing of a Meitei man in a Kuki-Zo dominated area, and the subsequent video circulating with a threatening message, has jeopardized the nascent progress towards dialogue between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The central argument is that despite these provocations, the Centre, political parties, and civil society must persevere in building on the initial steps towards reconciliation and restoring a political process leading to an elected government.

The situation in Manipur is complex, involving long-standing ethnic tensions and a breakdown of law and order. The article emphasizes the importance of not allowing isolated incidents to derail the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution.

Key Arguments & Nuances

• Fragile Progress: Despite the violence, recent meetings between Meitei and Kuki-Zo legislators, including those involved in Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, represent a significant, albeit fragile, step towards dialogue.
• Separate Administration Demand: The Kuki-Zo community continues to demand a separate administration, which remains a major point of contention and a prerequisite for their participation in a government.
• President’s Rule Limitations: While President’s Rule can be extended, prolonged imposition necessitates a national emergency declaration and EC certification, highlighting the need for a political solution.
• Provocative Acts: The killing and the accompanying video are deliberate attempts to sabotage the peace process and reinforce societal fragmentation.
• Militarization & Fragmentation: The longer the state remains divided and militarized, the more difficult it will be to rebuild trust and restore normalcy.

UPSC Syllabus Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance – Issues relating to the development and management of the North Eastern States, including ethnic conflicts and Centre-State relations.
• GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Challenges to internal security such as ethnic conflicts and the role of central armed forces.
• GS Paper 1: Indian Society – Understanding the complexities of ethnic identities and social fragmentation in India.

Prelims Data Bank

• President’s Rule (Article 356): Allows the central government to assume control of a state government. Can be extended for a maximum of three years, but beyond one year requires a national emergency and EC certification.
• Suspension of Operations (SoO): Agreements between the government and insurgent groups to temporarily cease hostilities, often involving negotiations.
• Manipur Statehood: Manipur became a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972.

Mains Critical Analysis

The situation in Manipur presents a complex interplay of political, social, and security challenges. A PESTLE analysis can help understand the situation better:

• Political: The partisan nature of the previous government, the demand for separate administration, and the ongoing negotiations between different groups are key political factors.
• Economic: The conflict has disrupted economic activity, particularly in the affected areas, leading to loss of livelihoods and increased poverty.
• Social: Deep-rooted ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and a lack of trust between communities are major social challenges.
• Technological: The use of social media to spread misinformation and incite violence is a growing concern.
• Legal: The legal framework for addressing ethnic conflicts and ensuring justice for victims needs strengthening.
• Environmental: The conflict has led to environmental degradation, including deforestation and displacement of communities.

The core issue is the breakdown of trust between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, fueled by historical grievances and political manipulation. The implications are far-reaching, including the potential for prolonged instability, humanitarian crisis, and the erosion of democratic institutions. A critical gap lies in the lack of a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue process that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the participation of all stakeholders.

Value Addition

• Justice Verma Committee (2013): Recommended amendments to laws on sexual violence, highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect vulnerable communities during conflicts.
• M.P. Bezbaruah Committee (2014): Focused on issues related to the Northeast region, including ethnic conflicts and the need for greater economic development.
• SC Judgement on ILP: The Supreme Court has dealt with issues related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur, impacting the rights of non-residents.

Context & Linkages

This past article provides crucial context by detailing the escalating violence and the deep-seated distrust between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. It highlights how the initial spark – the High Court order on Scheduled Tribe status – has been exacerbated by political factors and a lack of effective governance, leading to the current impasse. The recent killing discussed in the current article is a continuation of the pattern of violence outlined in the previous piece.

While seemingly unrelated, this article underscores the importance of India carefully navigating international engagements and prioritizing its own principles. This principle is relevant to Manipur as well, where the Centre must avoid imposing solutions that do not address the specific needs and concerns of the local communities.

The Way Forward

• Strengthen Dialogue: Facilitate sustained and inclusive dialogue between Meitei and Kuki-Zo representatives, with the Centre playing a neutral and mediating role.
• Address Grievances: Address the underlying grievances of both communities, including issues related to land rights, political representation, and economic opportunities.
• Security Measures: Maintain a strong security presence to prevent further violence and protect civilians, while ensuring accountability for perpetrators of crimes.
• Rebuild Trust: Implement confidence-building measures to rebuild trust between communities, such as joint peace initiatives and cultural exchange programs.
• Political Solution: Explore a political solution that addresses the demand for greater autonomy or a separate administration, while ensuring the integrity of Manipur.