20

Nov

Seeking Peace in a Fractured Manipur: Recommendations from the Ground

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Mohd Naushad Khan

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New Delhi | Wednesday | 20 November 2024

The Socialist Party (India), led by Magsaysay award winner Sandeep Pandey, visited five relief camps in Imphal between November 11 and 12, 2024, to assess the living conditions of displaced individuals affected by the ongoing violence in Manipur. Based on their findings, the party issued recommendations to promote peace, provide equitable relief, and pave the way for dialogue between the conflicting Meitei and Kuki communities. These recommendations were submitted to the Deputy Commissioners of Imphal (West and East) and the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur. 

The Socialist Party's visit highlighted significant discrepancies in the relief provided to camp inmates. At Phayeng High School, residents received ₹1,000 five times during their stay, whereas those at the Manipur Trade and Export Centre were given ₹80 per head per day twice a month. Biramangol College Hostel offered ₹80 daily to those whose homes were destroyed but only ₹10 per day to individuals whose houses remained intact. 

In stark contrast, inmates at Samurou Government High School only received rice from the government, while others received additional essentials like lentils, vegetables, oil, soap, and shampoo. The situation was equally dire at Pravabati College, where inmates were allotted a mere ₹15 per head per day for breakfast. While some camps provided milk and eggs, others lacked these basic provisions entirely. 

 

Article at a Glance
The Socialist Party (India), led by Sandeep Pandey, assessed living conditions in five relief camps in Imphal from November 11-12, 2024, amid ongoing violence in Manipur. Their findings revealed significant disparities in relief provisions, with some camps offering inadequate support, such as minimal financial aid and essential supplies.
The party highlighted the urgent need for equitable relief, compensation for lost homes, and improved living conditions. They emphasized the necessity of political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Pandey criticized the central government's inaction, calling for immediate steps to restore trust and ensure peace. The party urged the government to prioritize the fundamental rights of all citizens to foster a stable and harmonious future for Manipur.

 

Despite the promises made by government officials, no compensation has been issued for the destruction of homes or businesses. A recent assurance by the Chief Minister to provide ₹1,000 to each inmate before the Ningol Chakkouba festival also went unfulfilled. 

The relief camps exhibit varying levels of support and facilities. Most camps allow families to stay together, albeit under crowded conditions, but Pravabati College separates men and women into dormitories, leading to emotional distress among families. Residents in several camps, particularly at Phayeng High School, expressed a desire to return to their villages, but the pervasive violence makes it unsafe. 

The tragic case of 39-year-old Leichongbam Ibemcha, who was killed while attempting to return to her village, underscores the urgent need to restore normalcy. Many displaced individuals hope to resume traditional livelihoods like agriculture and sand mining once they can safely return home. 

Women at Pravabati College expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises of sewing machines and income-generating resources. A one-time mushroom cultivation training session was conducted, but it lacked follow-up support. Some camps, such as Phayeng High School, provide limited opportunities for women to engage in activities like plastic bag and candle production, but these efforts require marketing support. 

A glaring shortage of handlooms was noted, with only seven provided across camps despite the demand for at least 15. The local community has attempted to fill gaps by donating equipment, but more government intervention is needed to enhance livelihood opportunities. 

Women in Phayeng camp have resorted to selling their government-provided supplies to pay for their children’s education, often going without essentials themselves. The Socialist Party recommended implementing Section 12(1)(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act to ensure free private school education for camp children or, alternatively, government compensation for educational expenses. At Pravabati College, some private schools already accept relief camp certificates as proof for free admission, a practice that should be standardized across the state. 

Although doctors visit most camps, they seldom bring medicines, leaving parents to travel to Primary Health Centers (PHCs) for vaccinations and other medical needs. The lack of ambulances and Ayushman Bharat health cards further exacerbates the situation. Many residents also lack ration cards, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives when they eventually leave the camps. 

Inadequate supplies of blankets, warm clothing, and footwear were another common grievance, particularly as winter approaches. The Socialist Party emphasized the urgent need for these essentials. Additionally, contact information for emergency and relief services is not uniformly displayed across camps, with only the Samurou camp providing comprehensive details. 

The ongoing conflict has severely restricted freedom of movement. Meiteis and Kukis face numerous obstacles in traveling outside Manipur, often relying on costly and unreliable air travel. The constitutional right to freedom of movement has been gravely undermined. 

Sandeep Pandey, General Secretary of the Socialist Party, expressed deep concern over the alienation and animosity between the Meitei and Kuki communities. He highlighted the failure of the state and central governments to address the root causes of the conflict, which has left ordinary citizens trapped in relief camps and facing an uncertain future. 

“To resolve this conflict, political dialogue is essential,” Pandey said. “Both communities must cease hostilities and restore peace to enable meaningful discussions. Whether it involves granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis or a separate administration for the Kukis, these decisions lie with the Union government. What is imperative, however, is ensuring peace, justice, and dignity for all.” 

Pandey criticized the central government’s indifference, pointing out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence and lack of action despite the violence that has persisted since May 2023. “While the Prime Minister finds time to mediate international conflicts, his neglect of Manipur raises serious doubts about his priorities,” he said. 

The Socialist Party called for immediate steps to restore trust and dialogue between communities, urging both local leaders and the central government to prioritize peace. Their appeal underscores the importance of upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens, ensuring that Manipur can move toward a future of harmony and stability. 

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