Manipur: Biren goes, unrest remains

‘It is only with prudence, sagacity, and much dexterity that great aims are accomplished, and all obstacles surmounted. Otherwise nothing is accomplished,’ remarked one of the greatest warriors of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte. This is a phrase which could be aptly applied to the situation in Manipur where political blunders have left the beautiful land of gems crippled, with over 250 people killed and huge assets destroyed over two years.

What else explains the decision by the much criticised chief minister of the troubled state, N Biren Singh to hang up his boots after all the damage has been done and the rift among communities has become too deep to elude a solution? What had become quite obvious to most political observers from the start was that the BJP which is in power in the state, was intent on playing the community card to the hilt like it had done elsewhere. So it decided to go along with the majority Meiti community on the quota issue dumping the Kukkis who were infuriated and felt helpless. Sagacious leaders would have called the warring leaders of the communities involved to the negotiating table and resorted to some firm talking to bring about a rapprochement on their demands.

That however did not happen and even as the bloodshed began and people of both communities were mercilessly targeted, the saffron camp preferred to maintain a stoic silence. For they seemed to be more keen on reaping the political dividends and ensuring that Biren remained in power, come hell or high water. What was even more shocking was the prime minister himself deciding not to visit the violence-hit state when such a visit could have served to assuage frayed tempers and send out a strong message that the Central government was really committed to resolving the impasse. Not surprisingly, the BJP failed to win any seats in the Lok Sabha polls in the state. Hauntingly beautiful Manipur is now facing an uncertain future with no CM chosen yet and reports doing the rounds of President’s rule likely to imposed. In fact one wonders if there was any option than resignation for Biren Singh with audio tapes emerging of his role in the violence which had crippled the state.

There were also rumours of his own party men likely to go against him during the Assembly session if the violence became a subject of debate. So how does the path ahead look for Manipur? Can the two communities which have been involved in an incessant struggle for dominance in the past two years, be made to set aside their animosity and talk things out? Both communities have obviously become a wiser lot considering the misery the violence has heaped on everyone from children to the aged. Human rights have been tossed through the window with the worst kind of abuses inflicted on those most vulnerable to violence. It’s time to set aside politics and look at the problem dispassionately. And for this, all those who have a stake in restoring peace in Manipur - the Congress, BJP and regional parties - should for once forget their differences and come together for the bigger cause - of restoring peace and restarting developmental activities which have taken a beating because of the unrest.

It is still uncertain if President’s rule will be imposed or the state will get a new CM but in the meanwhile, the leadership of all parties can prove that they are intent on restoring peace by sending out a message of unity and solidarity. Manipur cannot be allowed to descend into the abyss of violence and bloodshed anymore for it would send out an unsettling message that we have become incapable of resolving a quota dispute because of too much politicking. It’s time to give Manipur a chance.