In what seems to be an official order, the Manipur Cabinet has initialized certain sections as “Kuki terrorists” and has commenced mass operations due to the upsurge of violence in the region. This measure seems to be an attempt in putting a stop to rising levels of tension after months of unrest in the region. However, what seems even more questionable is the extent these cabinet members went to in this order, how does this affect the people of Manipur exactly? Let’s get into the specifics.
The ethnic violence in Manipur has severely fractured the communities leading to displacement and loss for several families. Kuki’s on the other quote ‘several’ retaliatory violence creating law and order situation in many parts of the state, given the violence some groups have been enlisted by the state government as ‘kuki terrorists. ‘ Officials claim that these groups were civilians centric and were creating unwanted chaos which was detrimental for the region.
With the said, this order by the cabinet seems to signal the commencement of a major two sided action. The two sides being the forces and the civilians mostly deemed as the Kuki’s. Politicians have made it clear that these actions need to be carried out for the protection of the citizens.
Nevertheless, the decision has provoked a considerable degree of dissatisfaction. Some of the residents and the community leaders regard this as an advance towards curtailing the mayhem and preserving the integrity of those who are guilty. They wish this would enhance a semblance of calmness in a region that has been too much on a quiver for too long. Critics, however, have argued that such practice may increase the very belief that suspicion leads to such practices, and indeed contributes to the widening gap between the various communities. They reason out that policy toward this should aim at dialogue and conciliation as opposed to focus on combat.
For those residing in the regions affected by this development, it smacks of great expectation but great uncertainty as well. Most of them are interested in the cessation of the inhuman activities that tampered with their lifestyles. Families who have been uprooted due to the conflict have been yearning for a time when they would be able to get back to their communities. At the same time, there is still an apprehension of further misunderstandings as order enforcement agents perform their mandates.
The cabinet has reassured the public that these measures are directed at violence prevailing groups only and are not directed at any specific community. They have also noted that restoring order and trust among all the ethnicities is settled as number one program.
This situation in Manipur is a case of how integration is tenuous in societies with diversity. The steps taken by the state are paramount, but in the long run, it is their balance between sovereignty and forgiveness that will be the key to success. For the moment, residents of Manikpur are observing, wishing that these endeavors would secure peace and stability in the region.
