Uncertainty persists in Manipur

Witoubou Newmai

The Biren Singh Government’s efforts to allay fears of the valley people, with regard to the Naga peace talks, continue to fall through due to various reasons. As such, it appears that the protestors in the valley districts in the State of Manipur will persist to vent their ire on the Government, and even intensify, till such time the contents of what are agreed in the talks involving the NSCN-IM, NNPGs and the Government of India are revealed. It also goes without saying that the future situation of the State of Manipur will also depend on the contents of what some people call them as ‘agreed points’ or on the manner the ongoing Naga peace process is concluded.

 

In the latest development, Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the conglomerate of various organizations spearheading the ongoing protests in the valley districts of Manipur, has rejected the “assurance given” by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah to the Manipur State Government team led by Chief Minister, Biren Singh. Shah had reportedly assured the team that the “Naga peace talks will not affect the interests of Manipur in any way.”

 

COCOMI says that it does not trust the assurance of the Union Home Minister to the Manipur Government delegation that met him few days ago.

 

On the “interests of Manipur,” COCOMI expresses doubts that the “interests of Manipur” meant by the Central government and the “interests of Manipur” meant by the “people” can be totally different. COCOMI then demands from the Central Government to specify the “interests,” terming the earlier assurance “vague.” Consequently, the Committee asserts that protests will continue or even intensify unless the contents of the Naga peace talks are disclosed.

 

Regarding COCOMI’s demands, the conglomerate of the civil society organizations has also been saying that “ethnic based administrative unit” will not be allowed in the State of Manipur.

 

Given this development, the measures of the Biren Singh Government to allay fears failed to yield effects.

 

Upon arrival from New Delhi after being “assured” by Union Home Minister two days ago, Chief Minister Biren Singh appealed the people "to remain calm until the Central Government invites stakeholders for consultation to hammer out an amicable solution to the Naga issue.”

 

 It is also worth noting here that COCOMI has decided to boycott the premier tourism festival ‘Sangai Festival.’ The 10-day State Government sponsored event commences on November 21.

 

 In addition to the stirs of the civil society organizations, political parties including the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) and the State Council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) are also upping the ante demanding the details of the Naga peace talks.

 

 As such are the prevailing trends in the valley of Manipur State, people continue to remain with a lurking uncertainty.