Shortly after the Assembly elections in Manipur, Home Minister P Chidambaram has slammed the NSCN (IM) for indulging in violence in that state. He has accused the rebels of taking to kidnapping and other unlawful activities despite the peace talks with the Centre. He said that large contingents of security forces were going to be deployed in Manipur to to guard the counting of polling results.The NSCN (IM) has denied that its cadres are involved in such violent incidents but the government has enough intelligence reports suggesting that they are so involved. Chidambaram is particularly upset that on the day of polling there was an ugly incident in Chandel where seven people were killed.
The NSCN(IM) has long been involved in stirring up trouble in Manipur. One of its demands being discussed with the Centre is the creation of a Greater Nagalim which, according to it, should include some of Manipur’s territory. It has been a cause of violence in that state for years. Besides, parts of Manipur are inhabited by a Naga majority who want a separate status and they had a role in the four month economic blockade causing great privation to the people of the state. The Naga problem will disturb the stability of the state government no matter which party comes to power after the election results are out. The talks with the Centres have entered over sixty rounds and no settlement has been arrived at. In such a situation, Chidambaram’s warning seems just a gesture. A military solution is not feasible. The popularity of activists like Irom Sharmila against the military presence is a pointer.