If a few Meiteis and Kukis can shake hands, there is optimism !! Now, centre should build on this and aggressively pursue a strategy to bring Reconciliation :: Also give a role to UNC

Circa 2016.... the BJP was not sure it will make it to power in Manipur. 

The Congress still banked on veteran Okram Ibobi Singh. He knew how to survive, he also knew how to 'emerge' as a protector of Meitei interests and also as someone who showed enough guts even to take on Congress Home Minister P Chidambaram.  

Ibobi ignited a tussle in Manipur amongst Meiteis and leaked out the information that Thuingaleng Muivah wanted to visit his native village in Manipur. Chidambaram and the Home Ministry wanted him to create a ground so that Muivah only makes a personal (unofficial) visit to his village - where he was born. But Ibobi did exactly the opposite. That was Ibobi. 

Assam Rifles repairing 'damaged water pipes' in 2023 clash 

In December 2016, he played his Surgical Strike of 'social engineering' and almost ensured that he would return to power.  

In what was touted as a major social engineering - vis-a-vis the sensitive socio-politics of Nagas and Kukis residing in Manipur, Ibobi Singh threw a major political challenge to the BJP, which was banking on its newly created support base in the hill districts.

The state cabinet presided over by Chief Minister in Imphal decided to form seven new districts making it a total of 16 districts in the state. 

The new districts are Tengnoupal (from Chandel), Kakching (from Thoubal), Pherjawl (from Churachandpur), Kamjong (from Ukhrul), Noney (from Tamenglong), Jiribam (from Imphal East), Kangpokpi (from  Senapati).  

Now even in 2024, this issue is in public debate. Of course, the Naga-Kuki (to be precise Tangkhul-Kuki relation) is hardly good. 

Instead in May 2023, Manipur entered a new phase of ethnic troubles - Kukis and Meiteis clash. 

There came religious overtone too and even places of worships were attacked. All these have created major administrative, social and political challenges to the BJP, to the governments both in Manipur and in centre. 

Worse, the credibility of the duo of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah is also at stake. 

Hence the challenge is to bring Kukis and Meiteis to talking terms and if possible a tripartite meeting at the earliest to bring about reconciliation. 

But who does not know, this is easier said than done. 

The northeastern region has seen enough of such clashes and enough of so-called ethnic 'cleansing'. Biharis, Bengali Hindus and Gorkhalis have been at the receiving end in Shillong, and people have left for good.

Forget tribal-non tribal issues; episodes like the Reang-Mizo differences and Naga-Kuki issues of the 1990s were really unfortunate. 

Therefore, it is time sanity prevails and the 'sincerity' displayed by all becomes important achievements; and more so for the government(s) of the day, both in Imphal and in New Delhi. 

A video footage available in social media and internet shows Kuki youths and their Meitei counterparts were shaking hands and hugging each other. All individuals who have taken the initiative must be applauded. 

Video link

But what we need is more of such efforts and most importantly, the Modi government in the Centre should build on this gesture and aggressively pursue a strategy to bring both communities together.

 

But how will New Delhi do this ?

One harsh recommendation  as expected by many anti-Amit Shah (anti-BJP) camps would suggest imposition of President's Rule. But this is unlikely and perhaps more importantly this may not help bring amity between the two warring communities. 

So that brings us on the need to suggest more a pragmatic step. New Delhi mandarins and the political masters should henceforth try to involve Naga civil society organisations CSOs including the influential United Naga Councl (UNC).

So far, the Meitei-Kuki clashes since May 2023 saw Nagas keeping a safe distance and playing it safe and cool. That was pragmatism and a smart move. And it must be appreciated. 

Here one must add creditably for Nagas even after church destroyed and Hindutva spin were brought in, the Nagas did not drag themselves into the row and the bigger debate. Kukis must have thought the 'threat to Christians' angle will ensure them Naga support; but Nagas of Manipur have shown the much required maturity. 

And for the people - the faceless voters - they did their best and gave a mandate rejecting NDA and NPF candidate in Outer Maniput even as local issues too influenced the outcome.  

The fact of the matter is everyone is aware of the strong elements of 'us' and 'them' syndromes in the northeast region. Some years back while working on these inherent issues between two and more communities in another northeastern state (not Manipur), I was told by an expert that the 'logic of us and the ideology of others' motivates the root cause of identity politics in the northeast.  

In 2023, my article on Manipur crisis for news agency IANS ran ::: "In this season of rumour mongering and intense provocation, there are people among Nagas in Manipur and rights organisations who have understood the gravity of the situation and displayed maturity". 

Now, this is an advantage point like a Tennis match and the Home Ministry should make optimum use of good will gesture and maturity. 

ends