MR. G.K. PILLAI, in a lecture at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), stated that when politicians from Manipur visit Delhi, including the Chief Minister, they rarely discuss Manipur’s problems. Instead, they ask for funds for various purposes, and once received, they return to the state content. He noted a lack of significant discussions on pressing issues, mentioning a few cases where the Manipur government sought Central intervention for immediate problems like highway blockades and Mr. Th. Muivah’s visit to his village, but never for addressing core issues. He further stated that the Centre is not overly concerned as long as the annual casualties remain around ten or twenty and extortion is minimal. This indicates that the Central government tolerates the law and order situation to a certain extent and may intervene only if it escalates beyond control.
Mr. Pillai is known for his deep understanding of the northeastern region’s problems, especially insurgency in Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. During his tenure in the Ministry of Home Affairs, he engaged extensively with leaders, politicians, and people from these states, gaining insights into their psyches. He accurately criticized the politicians’ focus on funds rather than addressing contentious issues such as the Sixth Schedule demand for Hill Areas and the Indo-Naga Peace talks. These issues are often avoided by Manipur politicians, who prefer not to confront the demands of the tribes.
Mr. Pillai highlighted another issue: the greed for money among Manipur’s politicians. They believe that financial aid from the central government will solve everything, ignoring the need for sincere efforts to resolve fundamental issues. This mentality extends beyond politicians to many people in society. If money is provided, many leaders and people will temporarily set aside their conflicts to benefit financially, delaying real solutions for another day. This approach of procrastination allows politicians to avoid discussing critical issues.
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For example, the demand for extending the Sixth Schedule to the Hill Areas of Manipur remains unresolved. The state government forwarded a conditional recommendation to the Central government but never clarified what those conditions were. The real issue for Manipur is not just funding but the state government’s sincerity in resolving outstanding issues, such as empowering the Hill Areas under Article 244-A. One potential solution to the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities could be granting territorial council status under Article 244-A to the tribes of Manipur. A simple recommendation from the state government to the Central government could initiate this process. However, the Meitei-dominated state government is likely to delay this to maintain leverage, conceding only when significantly threatened by the potential fragmentation of the state.
Mr. Pillai implied that politicians might eventually settle for substantial financial aid before agreeing to the tribes’ demands. He suggested that like Mizoram, which achieved peace through the Mizoram Accord, Manipur could benefit from a peaceful settlement. However, the dominant community fears that rapid population growth among the tribes might soon reduce them to a minority. This fear is fueled by the tribes’ backwardness and reliance on labor-intensive income sources, leading to higher population growth. While the National Register of Citizens (NRC) might slightly reduce the tribal population, it won’t significantly alter the demographic balance. The backwardness of the Hill Areas suggests that tribal population growth will continue to outpace that of the valley districts, potentially changing Manipur’s demographic equation in a few decades.
Given this evolving situation, the dominant community faces a choice: continue opposing the tribes’ demand for the Sixth Schedule and risk Manipur’s fragmentation, or engage in dialogue to resolve outstanding issues. The latter approach could foster a more harmonious relationship among all communities in the state.
Actions speak louder than words. The tribes are closely watching the dominant community’s strategy, and their actions now may determine Manipur’s destiny.
Truth is like surgery: it hurts but it heals. A lie is like a painkiller: it gives instant relief but has side effects forever.
Ngaranmi Shimray is an activist and political observer based in New Delhi. Views are personal. Shimray2011@gmail.com. Feedback/comment @Aran Shimray on X
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