The video from unrest hit Manipur of two women being paraded naked by a gang of youths has shocked the entire nation. It is alleged that one of the women was also gangraped. Coincidentally, the video emerged just before the Monsoon session of Parliament. The opposition had already declared it would raise the Manipur law and order issue for discussion. The fresh development led to the Lok and Rajya Sabhas being adjourned till 21 July, as opposition protests did not allow proceedings to continue. It is unlikely the situation is going to be calmer tomorrow, either.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that the strictest action will be taken against the perpetrators, while the Manipur CM has favoured the death penalty in the case. While the incident will tarnish India’s image around the world, all the condemnation will not bring the larger problems of the state any closer to a resolution. Placed as they are close to the Chinese and Myanmar borders, the warring parties obtain support from outside in many ways, and have the means to keep the issue smoldering for long.
The Union Government’s strategy was to smother the violence through deployment of security forces, while seeking a resolution through negotiations. In the North-East this is often a long drawn out process, as has been the case with the Naga insurgency. There are many vested interests involved and it is easy for even a small group to hold out against the peace process and continue with the disturbances. In the meanwhile, the attempt by political vested interests in other parts of the country has been to aggravate the situation to embarrass the Modi Government. With the emergence of the video, success has been achieved in this regard, and chances of a resolution pushed further into the future.
Parliamentary proceedings too are likely to be disrupted in the attempt to make it seem that the Union Government is unwilling to discuss the issue to cover up its incompetence. This will impact, as before, on other important issues that need to be dealt with in the national interest. It would be wise for the government not to succumb to the temptation to rush through the business and adjourn Parliament early and, instead, give as much time as is necessary to function normally. Short-circuiting debate is not good for democracy – be it by the government or the opposition.
