Amid
growing internal political tension, unresolved ethnic conflict between the
Kuki-Zo community and the Meiteis, and a potential no-confidence motion from
the opposition Congress in the now-suspended 7th session of the 12th Manipur
Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister N Biren Singh tendered his resignation on
Sunday. This time, his resignation letter wasn’t torn, unlike what was
witnessed on June 30, 2023. His stepping down from the top post appears to have
more to do with the growing political dissent within the ruling party rather
than the ongoing ethnic violence, as he had weathered the storm all this
despite internal and external criticism, but it can be seen as a significant
development towards restoring peace in the state, which has been torn by
violence for more than one year and nine months. In fact, the change of
leadership was a long-awaited one. Biren’s leadership has come under heavy
scrutiny for his handling of the ongoing crisis in the state that has killed
more than 250 people and rendered thousands homeless since the ethnic violence
broke out on May 3, 2023. Many have demanded his exit to pave the way for peace
in the state but it fell on deaf ears. The centre should have cracked the whip
long ago, considering the failure to control the situation and the accusation
levelled against the CM for inciting the violence. Much harm has already been
done but it is better late than never, as the saying goes. It is pertinent to
build confidence in both the warring parties to resolve the issue.
Now
that the Manipur Chief Minister has finally resigned, the ball is in the court
of the Centre. The central government will be expected to do all in its power
to restore peace in the strife-torn state of Manipur by taking tangible actions
without any bias. The way forward is engaging and taking along all civil
society organisations, including Naga apex bodies, in the peace-building
process. The biggest challenge before Biren’s successor will be bringing the
leaders of the warring communities to the negotiating table. This won’t be easy
and healing the wounds of the people will take time but it is not unachievable.
Political will and dialogue are pertinent to solving any issue. Leaders of all
communities should be taken aboard in the negotiation; they should lead the
dialogue and not armed groups. The state government has made the mistake of
allowing non-state armed groups to take the law into their own hands, evident
in visuals of men brandishing sophisticated weapons on the streets. This
mistake should not be repeated. It is also not time for rhetoric and scoring
political brownie points. Time to give meaningful dialogue a chance.
