Manipur will never be peaceful as long as the dominant community denies tribals in hill areas their legitimate rights to govern themselves under the Sixth Schedule.
As long as the dominant community in Manipur denies the tribes living in hill areas their legitimate rights to govern themselves under the Sixth Schedule, give a fair share of developmental resources, and an equitable share of political power, Manipur will never be peaceful.
The politics of denying the tribes in hill areas their legitimate rights is the only game the dominant community has been playing from the past till today. The dominant community is not addressing the real issues but is engaged in blatant obfuscation and stonewalling demands for empowerment. This policy of meting out injustice to the tribes who constitute about 40% of Manipur’s population has become increasingly unacceptable and disrespectful as people are becoming more aware of their rights on account of internet accessibility and better-informed knowledge. Lies will not work anymore.
Look at Nagaland, inhabited predominantly by Nagas. It has conceded to the demand of their own Naga brothers living on the eastern border of Nagaland for substantial legislative, financial, and administrative empowerment within the State structure, thereby acknowledging their backwardness status. But in Manipur, where the dominant community has taken away most of the government’s benefits in terms of development, jobs, and opportunities, leaving crumbs for the tribes in hill areas, the current effort continues to be of perpetuating injustice. The impact of this policy is visible in the frustration manifested in the form of violence.
However, consider another situation anchored on magnanimous consideration.
Give the tribes living in the hill areas of Manipur the right to govern themselves under a Sixth Schedule arrangement, their fair share of developmental funds, and proportionate representation in the council of ministers along with the post of Speaker or deputy speaker. This political arrangement would be honourable and just and would be worth consideration by the tribes, if such offers are made.
When such an arrangement is worked out, under the guidance and persuasion of the Centre, peace and harmony could return to the troubled state of Manipur.
Ngaranmi Shimray
New Delhi