It may take more time than expected for normalcy to return to violence-hit Manipur. However much one wants to buy the picture portrayed by many, especially by a section of the media, the ground situation and sporadic firings point to uncertainty. The situation is still unpredictable and volatile despite the relative peace seen over the past few days. The presence of armed people (not Indian security forces) belonging to both the two warring communities at strategic areas indicates the absence of law and order. At the least, it indicates lack of trust on the state government, resulting from the inability to prevent violence from escalating when the unrest erupted on May 3 and continued for days, weeks and now months. Civilians appeared to be emboldened to take the law into their own hands at the cost of peaceful coexistence because of the state government’s lenient approach to the unrest- if looting of thousands of weapons from police camps as well as several days of arson is any indication. It all happened right under the nose of the state security forces. Any responsible government will be worried about the fact that hundreds of arms robbed from the state’s armouries are still not recovered and that it could be used to disturb peace. The state is now paying the price for its own folly and inaction. But will the government learn from its mistakes?
The sooner the government comes up with a mechanism to bring back normalcy to the state, the better. Invoking rules like “no work, no pay” for its employees who do not perform their official duty without authorised leave should be welcomed during normal times but not during a crisis such as this. It is too risky to force the employees from the hill districts to report for work at Imphal, and vice versa, when even citizens, who are not involved in the conflict, cannot move freely in the affected districts and thousands are still languishing in relief camps. Everything will naturally fall in line with the return of peace. The central security forces have been doing a commendable job towards this; they have maintained restraint and displayed maturity while dealing with the sensitive situation. The state government should learn a lesson or two from them and walk the extra mile to regain the lost trust and restore peace. Failing to do so could result in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The future of a generation is at stake with the learning process of students being disrupted for months and crucial examinations postponed. The government has announced the reopening of schools, but for students to return to classes without fear, farmers to resume farming, employees to attend office and businesses to operate normally, peace is a prerequisite. The government should shun divisive rhetoric, accept reality and adopt a humane approach to restore peace. Talks about standing issues can wait.
