Retrospection of Manipur Conflict: TK Phuaktung

THE TRIBAL movement under the aegis of ITLF has given rise to too many substitute organizations, which has resulted in conflicting interests. The martyrs who sacrificed for this cause have yet to earn befitting titles to their name and justice, which can attribute their valour in the present crisis. The people's movement has been antagonizing the state and central government to carve out a separate administration for the Kuki-Zomi-Mizo people of Manipur. However, after debating promises and sowing the seeds of divide and rule policy amongst the leaders, the government succeeded in establishing the Tower of Babel, which is enough to create confusion among the public. 

One of the prominent solutions the central government offered was the proper burial of the tribal martyrs, which propelled many leaders to assure the people of holding last rites for the fallen heroes. However, the central government's promise held no ground when the program meant for the departed souls turned stale and the leaders became a laughing stock among their own people. 

The frequent visits to Delhi and meetings with central leadership are enough to deter them from bringing out a well-charted plan for demanding a separate administration. With the legislatures of the government claiming the upper stake and the SOO group being a stakeholder from the start, the inclusion of other organizations proved useless when some authoritarian leaders presented a well-executed agenda on the negotiating table. 

The frequent lapses in holding protests and shutdowns are enough to reflect the sloppy coordination among the stakeholders in this movement. It may also be noted that this movement has drawn the attention of national and international media outlets but has had little success. 

The United Nations and other prominent international organizations have taken advantage of Manipur to fuel their influence in international geopolitics. 

Every right-thinking actvist should know that a single presentation of reports is enough to broadcast our sufferings and demands in their capacity. It may have exerted influence; however, the permission to grant separate administration lies at the hands of the Union Cabinet Members. 

While the Godi media is successful in suppressing the ground reality of the present conflict, tribal leaders are yet to utilize the opposition leaders and seek direction by using the upcoming Lok Sabha election in their favor. So far, the little offensive is not enough to ignite a full-scale sitting of the union cabinet. While the valley legislature was constantly denied a meaningful talk with the Prime Minister of India, the tribe's stand is not far behind. 

With the people's support for demanding a separate administration dwindling day after day, the tribal leaders are yet to chalk out a productive atmosphere where movement and economy won't dilute the people's enthusiasm for a self-government with a definite territory. 

However, plans and policies don't seem to reflect the sincerity of the demand for a separate administration with little or no hotshots or go-to intellectuals that could draw the attention of the government, be it the central or state. With a distinctive vision still to be excavated, this movement is tiring the lowest section of the tribal economy.

~ The Tribal Post

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