Differences, even hatred, based on ethnicity are difficult to resolve and are the cause of long- standing disputes. It becomes even more difficult if the ethnic groups also belong to different religions. The ongoing ‘Israel-Palestine’ conflict is a case in point. If the groups are small and are governed by a more powerful entity, the differences can be contained, but that’s about it.
The ongoing clashes in Manipur are the result of these varying strains, at the bottom of which are the perceived conflict of interests, mostly economic but along identity lines. By legally vesting special privileges in one or the other section considered backward or having historic claims, the differences are only deepened, making it difficult to overcome them later. In Manipur, for instance, even MLAs and leaders belonging to the BJP are divided on such lines, clearly indicating that identity has prevailed over ideology. The same is the case with other parties, a number of which represent little more than scattered sub-groups.
There is no magic wand that can overcome the desire for further consolidating the divides through creation of ‘autonomous’ regions, separate states, etc. Till such time there is a general understanding that such divides benefit no one in the long run and instead only freeze groups in a set of circumstances that inevitably become an albatross around the neck, there can be little hope of genuine reconciliation. The North-East has been plagued by numerous such movements and it has taken decades to understand that it is not just futile but self-defeating to go down the separatist route.
The lesson learned from the ‘insurgencies’ in the region has been that the various ‘militias’ have to be fought on the ground on a daily basis, thereby ‘smothering’ the unrest overall. The same is being sought to be done in Manipur, having learned lessons from the past. The test of success is if peace prevails when the security blanket is decreased or removed. This has been done a couple of times in Manipur, but outbreaks of violence have returned. So, the process will continue till such time better sense prevails.
India’s mainstream parties, particularly the Congress, which has led the containment process in the past, should realise that it is greatly short-sighted, and irresponsible, to use the Manipur situation as political ammunition. The matter is too sensitive and needs to be dealt with on a long-term basis as a nation united, keeping everybody’s interests in mind.
