MANIPUR NEEDS PEACE & RAPID DEVELOPMENT

Manipur was the only state of the Union under the President’s rule. Including the last spell that began on February 13, 2025, this land locked state having a multi cultural society, had to undergo the President’s rule eleven times. Decision was taken to tide over uncertainty emanating from resignation of N.Biren Singh as Chief Minister on February 9. It was extended for six months on August 13 as the ruling party could not muster support for a popular Government. Because of historical ethnic differences between majority tribe of Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes , no diologue has been made possible. Latter had welcomed President’s rule but former looked at it as unjustified intervention.

While J & K and Punjab had the President’s rule for fifteen and ten years respectively under exceptional law & order circumstances, U.P. and Pudducherry had to face it ten and seven times respectively.Telengana and Chhatisgarh are the only states not to undergo the President’s rule thus far. In all, powers under the President’s rule has been used over 100 times since 1951.

Significance of Article 356

This significant article of the Constitution empowers the President of India to impose President’s Rule on a state if latter can not function according to provisions of the Constitution. Union Government thus assumes governance of a State mostly based on report of the Governor.

As the power under Article 356 was not being used in an unbiased manner resulting into frequent dismissal of State Governments during seventees and eightees, the Supreme Court in S.R. Bommai vs Union of India vide its order on March 11, 1994 restricted arbitrary dismissal of state Governments. It ordered that if proclamation under Article 356 was issued without approval of both the houses of Parliament, same will lapse within two months and State Assembly was to resume its function.

Further, the floor of the Assembly was the sole authority to test majority of the State Government.

Current Scenario

As we may be aware, President rule was imposed in Manipur following failure of the then Chief Minister to put an end to the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The Assembly continued to be in a state of suspended animation even after extension of the President’s rule for another six months with effect from August 13, 2025.

Buffer Zones

It has been learnt that ethnic tension if not conflict has not been contained so far. For 33 months Buffer zones have segregated Meiteis from Kuki-Zo’s. It was confirmed by a Congress M.P. in a video interview when he too was prevented from entering a particular area.

Murder of A Meitei

On January 21, a Meitei man living with his Kuki wife for a month in Churachandpur District was shot dead by the suspected Kuki militants. It was video recorded and circulated with the slogan ‘No peace, no popular Government’.

Some efforts are being made at political level. In pursuance thereof, legislators of two major communities subsequently met at New Delhi. It appeared to be an encouraging development.

A reconciliation between two warring groups was considered the need of the hour.

Kuki-Naga Tension

On 26th January when whole nation was celebrating Republic Day, tension was reported between Kukis and Naga tribes in Kangpungpi District following which reportedly, a few houses of Kukis were attacked. A two week blockade of a road by the Nagas is being opposed by the Kukis. As Kukis wish to use this road, Apex body of two tribes have met, condemned the act, appealed for avoiding rumours and false propaganda and called for peace.

While Kukis took a stand to observe 24 hour shut down in the District, Naga leaders too indicated that they would continue with the blockade of the road.

Needless to say, such a development was unwarranted.

Save Manipur Rally by COCOMI

In one of the biggest rallies named Save Manipur (Manipur Kanba Khongchat) held on January 31, Coordinating Committee on Manipur’s Integrity (COCOMI) showed its strength. The organisation, an umbrella group of many Meitei tribe civil bodies organised the massive rally in Imphal to convey the message that people stood united against any policy to fragment Manipur and to press for settlement of thousands of people displaced (Internally Displaced Persons or IDP’s) by ethnic conflict.

Slogans, such as, ‘No compromise on Manipur’s Integrity’, ‘stop proxy war’, ‘long live Manipur’ etc were raised. IDP’s reportedly also turned up in large numbers, many from far off relief camps. Not only Meiteis, but Muslims among them, local Bengalis, Marwaris, Jains and Punjabis also marched a distance of 5 kms to press for normalcy in a state affected by ethnic strife for 33 months. Obviously business centres, schools and colleges were shut to send what organisers called, a clear message to the Centre.

Resolutions Passed

Following four resolutions were passed at a public convention when rally ended :

• Immediate abrogation of suspension of operations against Kuki armed groups,

• A concrete policy for IDP’s to ensure their rehabilitation and resettlement within a time frame,

• To stop cross border activities of Chin-Kuki narco terrorist groups having Myanmar connection and

• Ensure territorial and administrative Integrity of Manipur.

Vigil on International Border

As the state has 390 kms long border with Myanmar it has been always a happy hunting ground for drugs that go right upto Delhi and even beyond. Regular vigilance is also called for in view of reports about participation of Manipuris in actions against ruling Military Junta in Myanmar.

Hostage Like Situation Must End

It would have been proper if a show or rally like one organised by Meiteis was also arranged by the Kuki-Zo tribesmen, inhabiting nine hills surrounding Imphal valley, abode of 50 % of people of the state. State Naga tribes too must come forward and speak out their mind in the interest of amity in the State.

Observers and right thinking nationalists feel that hostage like situation for close to three years now, must come to an end in Manipur. Packages announced can not make a dent, nor the VIP visits.

Sudden Turn Of Events

In a sudden development, 30 legislators of ruling BJP approached their top leadership on February 2 to explore the possibility of election of a new leader of the legislature party. Development was significant as current spell of President rule was to expire on February 12. A similar effort six month ago had not succeeded.

Following hectic discussions and assurances, 62 year old dissident former Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh was elected as the new leader. A low profile person, he was Speaker of the state Assembly in the first N.Biren Singh led Government and became a Minister in his second Government.

Two MLA’s , one each from Kuki -Zo and Naga tribes are likely to be made Deputy Chief Ministers. With this, it is hoped that the three major tribes will have a stake in bringing normalcy and creating a peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Recommended Urgent Steps For New Government

• Free access to the people all over, as in past may be ensured,

• Health and educational institutions virtually made non functional have to be given utmost attention,

• Apart from a fresh drive, latest figures of arms surrendered out of those looted from Police armouries be disclosed,

• Illegal check posts manned by ‘ village volunteers’ to be dismantled,

• Process of People to people contact to be restarted to get rid of a feeling of fear and Ill will.

• Demand of Kukis for a separate airport in their area can be given a thought when a sizeable chunk is spent in the name of security. In day to day life also, they feel left out, as they hold a few Government jobs.

• Repatriation Of AIS Officers from Centre to the state. Though it has not been spelt out, there is a shortage of experienced officers.

Conclusion

Co-existence has been the source of strength of multi- cultural society of Manipur. It must remain so, rather than creating a situation of uneasy calm, facilitating an ethnic weaponisation.

There is a need to find out why ethnic conflict continues to simmer with a view to prevent further blood shed and displacement.

Restoring a popular Government may help immensely. In addition to seizure of remaining arms looted from Police armouries, disarming deviant elements of Meitei and Kuki communities will be also called for.

More vigilant and proactive approach is required to restore peace and stability.

A diologue with women community leaders and tribal chiefs may help in return of people to the abandoned villages.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)