Ethnic harmony is at stake, don’t damage it
The current crisis in Manipur highlights the deep ethnic divide in the State, between the people of the plains and the hills. This was triggered by the Manipur Government's decision to create seven new districts, by bifurcating heavily populated Naga districts of the State. The agitation against the Government’s move was launched by the United Naga Council (UNC), on the midnight of November 1, even before the resolve to rollout the new districts came on December 8. On the one hand, the Government of Okram Ibobi Singh is giving ‘administrative convenience' as a reason for dividing the districts, and on the other, the UNC is accusing it of communalising the issue by polarising the Nagas and the non-Nagas; and the Meiteis and the Kukis. The frontal Naga organisations, including the UNC, allege that it is a clear move by the State administration to appease the Kukis, and worsen the ethnic tensions between the two. Meanwhile, the non-Naga communities have started a counter-blockade movement, which has taken a toll on the fragile economy of the State. As the UNC has imposed its self-style blockade over the two National Highways 2 and 53, which are considered as the lifeline of the tiny hill State, it has created an acute shortage of essential commodities. The non-Naga protestors blame the Government and the Centre for failing to resolve the crisis. For them, as the UNC is a frontal organisation, belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, the Centre can easily negotiate with the latter, for lifting more than a month-long economic blockade. Also, they say that the National Highways directly come under the control of the Union Government, so it should take immediate action to normalise the crisis. But the issue is not about clearing the National Highways, but providing a lasting solution to the larger territorial issues plaguing the ethnic harmony of the State.
What can be inferred from the current imbroglio is that the State Government should have considered other options before announcing the creation of new districts. Sensing the precarious relations between the Nagas and the non-Nagas, the State Government should have opened a line of consultation with the Naga community leaders, and other organisations involved.
Besides, as the State Government has already apprised the decision to the Centre, the latter should now persuade the UNC and other Naga agitating bodies to accept the same or urge for a peaceful solution before the situation worsens. Now, things have come to such a pass that the authorities had to call for a ban on the use of social media networks such as Facebook, Whatsapp and SMS services in and around the two main points of conflicts — east and west districts of Imphal. According to sources, the decision of the State Cabinet came after an analysis of the existing law and order situation to prevent the spread of rumours through social media. If the situation is not controlled now, it will go out of hand. Before the ethnic hatred spreads, as it has happened in the past several times, the State Government must find a way out. There is all likelihood that the issue will be further politicised, as the Assembly election in the State approaches next year.