It’s in the fitness of things that Speaker Om Birla has facilitated a detailed discussion on the Manipur conflict in Parliament through a no-confidence motion tabled by the Opposition. Full national focus is already on the disturbed situations in Manipur, where those of the prominent Kuki tribe and Meiteis fought against each other and a series of violent and highly condemnable incidents in recent weeks have hurt the nation’s conscience. The seriousness of the situation there can be gauged also by the fact that over 70,000 people have been displaced and given refuge in about 350 relief camps. Over 4000 weapons have been looted by mobs from the security forces, of which only one-fifth have been recovered. The blame naturally falls on the BJP-led state government headed by N Biren Singh, on multiple fronts. The Kukis, the original natives of the hills, feel their existence is under threat. Their sensitivities need be addressed first and foremost, while Meiteis also should have the right conditions to live peacefully in the same soil. Incidents like the naked parading of women only added salt to injury in the present situation. What’s important is that the guilty from both sides are identified and punished. At the same time, considering the seriousness of the situation, the Opposition is well-advised to avoid creating conditions that could worsen the present situation.
By no stretch of imagination will the no-confidence motion bring down the NDA government. Nor is this intended by the Opposition. The principal idea of this step is to highlight the situation and propose meaningful suggestions to the government on how to move forward in the attempts at restoration of peace in Manipur, part of India’s North-East and bordering Myanmar. The chances of external forces coming in and adding fuel to the fire are not ruled out; rather, that was what the Union Home Ministry has expressed a serious concern about. Unfortunately, this upheaval comes at a time when the North-East sector was integrating better with the mainland and developmental activities for the region were being taken forward by the central government with a sense of seriousness. This was evident also from the way the rail network was extended to this sector and national highway development progressed impressively in recent years. New institutions of higher education have come up in the region, giving the youth a chance to empower themselves in modern ways. The momentum can be sustained only if peace is given the first priority both by the government and the people. Sensitivities of the local populations must be borne in mind when governments shape policies.