The deepening communal rivalry in Manipur demands urgent attention, dialogue and reconciliation for the future of this region

As part of my responsibilities as a Member of Parliament, I have had the opportunity to visit Northeast India to expand the community development programms initiated by the Government of India. Given the evolving turbulence in the region, I find myself reflecting on those visits, struggling to reconcile my previous perceptions with the current unrest.

During my visits, I had the pleasure of meeting several tribes across different states in the Northeast. The warmth and hospitality of the people were touching. In many villages, I was welcomed with such affection that it left a lasting impression. The people of this picturesque region are generally peaceful, cultured, talented, and well-educated. Manipur, in particular, has a rich cultural heritage, with its people being tolerant and possessing high aesthetic values. Each tribe follows its traditions with pride and devotion, which I found remarkable. Traveling all the way from Kerala, I felt completely at home.

However, it deeply saddens me to witness the current state of Manipur, which has become a center of violence and atrocities committed by one community against another. This heartbreaking situation stems from a decision on April 20, 2023, when the Manipur High Court directed the state government to "consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list." This ruling enraged the Kuki community, who feared that granting the Meiteis ST status would allow them to purchase land in the hilly areas reserved for tribes. Tensions escalated, and the Meitei community became increasingly vulnerable to attacks by the Kukis.

I view this crisis as more of a communal rivalry than a political or terrorist conflict. In light of this, I believe that religious leaders, particularly those from the Church, such as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), as well as influential Cardinals and Archbishops, should step in to initiate a dialogue with the Central Government. Their involvement could help mediate and bring peace to this disturbed region. They could also appeal to Kuki rebel leaders to surrender their weapons and work towards eradicating illegal poppy cultivation, thereby contributing to lasting peace in Manipur. We've seen such successful strategies of surrender and reconciliation in other states like Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh in the past.

At the same time, the authorities’ seeming apathy towards those responsible for organized crime in Manipur raises concerns about incompetence or vested interests. Many criminals have fled the region, and it is crucial for the authorities to trace them and ensure they face the legal process. Additionally, those who have lost property or land due to the conflict must be compensated by the government. Delaying justice will only embolden the perpetrators and prolong the violence. The citizens of India expect prompt and decisive action to restore peace in Manipur.

The region's significant involvement in opium cultivation has allowed certain groups to amass both wealth and power, fueling the cycle of violence. It is disheartening that despite their Christian faith, some are failing to adhere to the teachings of the Church and the laws of the land. Their actions not only perpetuate violence but also set a dangerous precedent for the younger generation, leading to a rise in drug addiction and moral degradation.The people of the Northeast yearn for peace, and the entire country prays for an end to this violence. The insurgency and militancy must cease. At this critical juncture, my heartfelt plea is that the Kukis, find it within themselves to share love, compassion, and respect for other tribes, so they may live together in peace.

(The writer is a former Member of Parliament; views are personal)