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North East : Civil disobedience movement in Manipur |
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The state of Manipur which has been witnessing continuous mass agitations since July following rape and murder of a woman (Manorama) allegedly by some personnel of Assam Rifles, continues to be a boiling pot with State government making fervent appeals to agitators to withdraw their movement and accept the offer of the Central Government for unconditional talks, and New Delhi “watching” the situation. The agitators have, however, rejected the offer of talks and have declared that they would not compromise unless the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is totally withdrawn from the state.
The situation in Manipur has taken an ugly turn with Manipuris from all walks of like coming out to the streets demanding the withdrawal of the AFSPA from the State. There has also been a long-standing demand to shift the headquarters of Assam Rifles from the historic Kangia Fort premises. A few youths have attempted self-immolation and a youth chopped off his fingers in protest.
In a development which could have serious repercussions, both for the Centre and State governments, the agitators have resorted to Civil Disobedience Movement and boycott of “Indian goods.”
The launching of the “civil disobedience movement” has completely disrupted normal life in the border State. Markets are closed, public transport is out of gear, Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have closed their city offices, Government departments are hardly functioning and the mood of the common man is one of anger and resentment - against the Centre in general and the State Government in particular. It is the people of Manipur versus the Centre.
However, unmindful of the people’s sentiments, the Centre has turned down the demand to repeal the Act, giving rise to more anti-Indian feelings in Manipuris.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Saturday reviewed the security situation in the country, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing agitation in Manipur. The 90-minute meeting of CCS, presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, “reviewed the security situation in the country”, official sources said.
Manipur, according to observers, requires both short as well as long-term measures to defuse the crisis to bring the State on the road to normalcy and progress. The short-term measures would be, the 17 Battalion of Assam Rifles must be immediately withdrawn from the State. The departmental inquiry must be completed at the earliest, the delinquent personnel arrested and charged under appropriate sections of the IPC and an assurance must be given to the Manipuris that the AFSP Act would be repealed (to be substituted by another legislation with immediate effect).
The long-term measures would involve reorganising the administration that has virtually collapsed, rejuvenating the police that has become ineffective and taking measures to politically engage terrorist outfits operating in the State. Stringent measures would also have to be taken to stop drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle countries.
It is ironic that the underground outfits, some of them proscribed under POTA, have extended support to the people’s agitation. They are indeed having the last laugh.
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