More than two months have passed since the outbreak of violence between the Kukis and the Meiteis, Manipur's two largest communities. Apart from the loss of several innocent lives and the destruction of private and state-owned properties, a large number of people are currently taking refuge in relief camps because they cannot go back to their homes.

The ensuing conflict is largely political which is related to securing control of and access to territory and political power because each group felt disadvantaged compared to the other. It also appears that both parties are trying to defend whatever privileges they currently enjoy and that they do not want to give up the same. They strive to strengthen it. They are in favour of retaining the status quo on certain issues, and not on others.

The appointment of a security advisor and police chief, the formation of a peace committee and a judicial inquiry commission are only a few of the immediate measures that have been implemented to stop the violence. Personnel from central security have been flown to the state and are stationed in sensitive areas. Even though there is significantly less violence currently, incidents of violence are happening. We have not heard about the role of the stated peace committee so far which was constituted recently to facilitate a peacemaking process among various ethnic groups of the state. This is a significant setback at this pivotal time.

It is crucial that the desires of the contending groups are given equal weight. The demand of one group should not be prioritized over that of the other groups. In this context, the central government should play a mediating role since it can either accept or reject the demands raised by the contending groups. The problems of the hill residents must be understood by the valley residents, and vice versa. The state government shall be encouraged to create a dialogic space for greater debate and discussion among the contending ethnic parties.

Short-term objectives for ending violence

At this crucial juncture, the central government should help the state government in implementing several confident-building measures. Such measures are required to put an end to the violence. What is painful is the inability of civil society groups in the state to intervene during this critical time since the contending groups are not ready to negotiate with each other. However, one must not lose faith in the civil society which is based in Manipur's immediate neighbouring states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam.

An attempt can be made by bringing leaders of major civil society groups to nearby cities like Kohima, Aizawl, and Guwahati for deliberation. This can be initiated by either the central or state government in association with neutral civil society groups which are either based in neighbouring states or Manipur itself. During a recent visit to Imphal, the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum expressed its willingness to offer a neutral location in Nagaland where like-minded individuals from both communities come together to commence peace dialogues. No one, however, took the offer seriously. In addition, in an interview, noted playwright Ratan Thiyam expressed his willingness to initiate a truth and reconciliation process if the central government ask him to do so.

The immediate goal of such intervention is to put an end to the ensuing violence. The common people are the worst victims of the present conflict. The elites and well-to-do are the least affected. As the monsoon has already started, farmers on both sides should be allowed to carry out their agricultural activities uninterrupted since most households in the state rely solely on agriculture for their survival.

If the violence continues unabated, the livelihoods of a large number of households in both the hills and the valley will be jeopardized. Educational institutions should be allowed to function in the interest of the future of the students. The movement of people and goods should not be disrupted. Both sides should stop targeting private residences. Intelligentsia belonging to the competing communities should be encouraged to talk peace now, rather than criticizing each other in the national media. Displaced households should be provided with enough financial assistance in order to rebuild their lives. These steps are necessary given the large number of people who are directly and indirectly affected by the violence.

Long-term approach

While focusing on the immediate need, we should start studying the desires and aspirations of the two groups. Among others, the Kukis are in favour of the formation of a separate state. In the same way, the Meiteis are against the division of the state. There are also concerns from other groups. We cannot ignore their concerns for the sake of major groups. Their views must be taken into account.

Given the complexities, an expert committee made up of renowned individuals, academics and policy-makers must be constituted by the central government to investigate the concerns of the different groups. Such a committee should be given enough time to study the issues facing the state. The government must not give in to the pressure tactics of one group or another.

(The author is Professor and Honorary Director, Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Views are personal. He can be contacted at msingh1@jmi.ac.in/@MAmarjeetS48895.)