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The announcement of resumed free movement in Manipur on March 8, following 18 months of intense ethnic conflict and violence, presents a complex and delicate situation. While the initiative aims to restore normalcy and alleviate the hardships faced by communities divided by the unrest, it is met with significant resistance from tribal groups who are demanding separate administration for the hill districts. This resistance, coupled with the planned “March to the Hills” by valley-based organizations, paints a picture of deep-seated divisions and distrust that could potentially undermine the fragile peace process. The decision to resume free movement was taken following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underscoring the central government's involvement and commitment to resolving the Manipur crisis. Shah directed officials to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative and to take decisive action against anyone attempting to obstruct the process. Security agencies are actively strategizing to secure the key routes and restore movement between the valley and hill regions, focusing on National Highways 2 and 37. These highways, vital arteries connecting Imphal to Nagaland and Assam respectively, have been the sites of deadly violence, highlighting the urgency and sensitivity of the situation. The resumption of free movement is intended to remove the longstanding roadblocks that have effectively segregated communities, preventing residents from travelling between the valley and hills. This segregation has disproportionately affected the Kuki-Zo tribal groups, who have been largely unable to access the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley due to fear of violence, and vice versa. The inability to travel freely has disrupted livelihoods, access to essential services, and social interactions, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. However, the government's efforts to restore normalcy are facing strong opposition from tribal groups, who view the resumption of free movement as premature and insufficient. The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has presented an eight-point resolution to the central government, reiterating their demand for a separate administration before free movement resumes. Other groups, such as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), have echoed similar demands, insisting that the hilly regions be granted a separate administration or Union Territory status. These demands reflect a deep-seated sense of marginalization and insecurity among the tribal communities, who believe that separate administration is the only way to safeguard their interests and protect themselves from future violence. Valley-based Meitei groups, on the other hand, strongly oppose these demands, accusing tribal organizations of attempting to derail the peace process and divide Manipur. The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) have condemned the resistance, calling it an attempt to block reconciliation. The Meitei Heritage Society, in a statement, argued that the demand for separate administration is not a result of the ongoing violence but part of a decades-old agenda to divide Manipur. The society further accused Chin-Kuki groups of defying the Indian Constitution and challenging the authority of the state. This counter-narrative highlights the deep-seated historical grievances and competing claims that underlie the ethnic conflict in Manipur. The planned “March to the Hills” by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations of Manipur (FOCS) on March 8, the same day free movement is set to resume, adds another layer of complexity and potential for conflict. Tribal groups view the march as an act of provocation and intimidation against the Kuki-Zo community, further fueling tensions and distrust. Hilly-based groups have sent a memorandum to Governor Ajay Bhalla, denouncing the march as “a blatant display of Meitei fascism backed by the state to intimidate the Kuki-Zo people.” Village volunteers from Kuki-Zo settlements have also issued statements warning that “any attempt to reconcile with the perpetrators through the government before establishing a separate administration will face severe consequences.” The resumption of free movement in Manipur is therefore not simply a logistical exercise but a deeply political and socially charged endeavor. It requires a nuanced and sensitive approach that addresses the underlying grievances and aspirations of all communities involved. The government must engage in meaningful dialogue with tribal groups and valley-based organizations to find a mutually acceptable solution that ensures the safety, security, and well-being of all residents of Manipur. Without such a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the resumption of free movement risks exacerbating existing tensions and undermining the prospects for lasting peace.
The success of the free movement initiative hinges on several critical factors. First and foremost, the government must ensure the safety and security of all travelers, particularly on the key highways that have been the sites of past violence. This requires a strong and visible security presence, as well as effective mechanisms for preventing and responding to any potential incidents. The deployment of central forces to oversee the national highways is a positive step, but it must be accompanied by proactive measures to build trust and confidence among the local communities. This could involve engaging with village leaders, community elders, and youth groups to address their concerns and solicit their cooperation. Secondly, the government must address the underlying grievances and demands of the tribal groups. While the demand for separate administration may not be feasible in the short term, the government should explore alternative options for empowering tribal communities and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes. This could involve strengthening local governance structures, devolving more powers to tribal councils, and implementing affirmative action policies to promote the economic and social development of tribal areas. The government should also address the historical injustices and discrimination that have contributed to the sense of marginalization among tribal communities. This could involve establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate past human rights violations, providing reparations to victims of violence, and promoting inter-community dialogue and reconciliation. Thirdly, the government must address the concerns and anxieties of the Meitei community. While the Meitei community has historically dominated the political and economic landscape of Manipur, they also have legitimate concerns about the preservation of their cultural identity and the protection of their interests. The government should engage with Meitei organizations to address their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard in the peace process. This could involve promoting cultural exchange programs, supporting Meitei language and literature, and addressing any legitimate grievances that the Meitei community may have. Fourthly, the government must foster a climate of trust and reconciliation between the different communities. This requires promoting inter-community dialogue, encouraging mutual understanding, and addressing the root causes of the conflict. The government should support initiatives that bring together members of different communities to share their experiences, build relationships, and work together to address common challenges. This could involve organizing joint cultural events, promoting interfaith dialogue, and supporting community-based peacebuilding initiatives. The media also has a crucial role to play in fostering reconciliation. The media should avoid sensationalizing the news and instead focus on promoting understanding and empathy between the different communities. The media should also provide a platform for marginalized voices and ensure that all perspectives are represented in the public discourse.
The long-term prospects for peace and stability in Manipur depend on addressing the underlying structural issues that have fueled the ethnic conflict. These issues include competition for land and resources, historical grievances, and political marginalization. The government must address these issues in a comprehensive and sustainable manner to prevent future outbreaks of violence. One of the key challenges is to address the issue of land ownership and resource allocation. Land is a scarce resource in Manipur, and competition for land has been a major source of conflict between the different communities. The government should implement a fair and transparent land management policy that takes into account the needs and rights of all communities. This could involve establishing a land commission to adjudicate land disputes, implementing land reforms to redistribute land to the landless, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Another key challenge is to address the issue of political marginalization. Tribal communities have historically been underrepresented in the political system, which has contributed to their sense of marginalization and alienation. The government should implement reforms to ensure that tribal communities have a fair and equitable representation in the political system. This could involve reserving seats for tribal communities in the state legislature and local councils, promoting tribal leadership, and ensuring that tribal communities have access to education and employment opportunities. The government should also promote economic development in tribal areas. Tribal areas have historically been neglected in terms of economic development, which has contributed to poverty and unemployment. The government should implement policies to promote economic development in tribal areas, such as investing in infrastructure, promoting tourism, and supporting small-scale industries. The government should also promote education and healthcare in tribal areas. Education and healthcare are essential for improving the quality of life of tribal communities. The government should invest in schools and hospitals in tribal areas, provide scholarships for tribal students, and train healthcare professionals to serve in tribal areas. In addition to addressing these structural issues, the government must also strengthen the rule of law and ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law. This requires strengthening the police and judiciary, promoting human rights, and combating corruption. The government should also promote good governance and transparency. Good governance and transparency are essential for building trust and confidence in the government. The government should implement policies to promote transparency in government operations, combat corruption, and ensure that government services are accessible to all citizens. Finally, the government must work to promote national unity and integration. The ethnic conflict in Manipur has created deep divisions between the different communities. The government must work to promote national unity and integration by fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging. This could involve promoting cultural exchange programs, supporting national symbols, and celebrating national holidays. The path to lasting peace and stability in Manipur is long and arduous. However, by addressing the underlying structural issues, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting national unity, the government can create a brighter future for all the people of Manipur.
Source: Free movement to resume in Manipur on March 8 after 18 months of ethnic clashes