Renewed Protests in Manipur Over Possible Implementation of the Naga Pact.

In the final stage of the Naga Peace process, Manipur has been witnessing protests against the Naga Framework agreement and extension of Article 371(A) in the state.
 
Women have been at the forefront of the protests, with many businesses shut down across the state to show support. Various sit-in protests were also staged at Yairipok Bazaar, Singjamei Bazaar, while many auto drivers also halted their daily service, and protested at their parking lots.

The protests have erupted after the parliamentary committee hinted at the extension of the special status accorded to Nagas under the Naga Pact of 2015 to the states Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The people from the state and the opposition are also enraged with the government’s lopsided attitude regarding a special assembly session to discuss this issue. The BJP-led coalition government had initially fixed the special session of the state assembly on August 10. Later, it was postponed till August 16. However, it was cancelled later, saying there was no need for such special session. Civil society organisations have been pressurising the state government to convene a special session of the state assembly to discuss the latest development in the protracted peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) on the Naga political issue.

The larger issue revolves around the Naga Pact signed in 2015. The Framework talks about the special status that is to be accorded to Nagas. The pact was signed to settle the demand of the creation of a separate Nagalim comprising of Naga-inhabited areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The protesters believe that the move will lead to the creation of a state within a state, as one community may be benefited against the interest of the other. The opposition has repeatedly termed the implementation of the Framework a ploy by the Centre to divide the state.

Similar protests and bandhs have been reported since June this year. However, this week, Sunil Karam, president, United Committee Manipur (UCM), recalled the episode of burning down of Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2001, and warned the central government of an intense form of protest that had never happened before, if the government goes against the wish and the interest of the people of the state. 

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is currently under pressure to balance the opposition of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (Amuco), Committee of Civil Societies Kangleipak (CCSK) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM) while representing the interests of the states, and negotiating with the Centre. In a bid to do so, the CM had camped with his entire cabinet in Delhi this July to discuss the issue with PM Narendra Modi. He had clearly stated that he may take “extreme steps if the interests of Manipur are compromised.” He was assured by the prime minister that the sentiments of the people and the development of the state will remain a priority. However, the NSCN-IM has stated that the integration of all the Naga-inhabited areas in the Northeast is an essential part of the ongoing peace talks with the central government.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has suggested that it would be a wise decision to discuss the pros and cons of extending article 371(A) to the state of Manipur in a special session of the state assembly. The party has raised its doubts, saying that the state will have no power if 371(A) is extended. The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has also appealed to the political parties to stop the blame game, and to join hands to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur. UCM president Sunil Karam made this appeal while speaking at a sit-in-demonstration-cum-public meeting held at Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East district. The apprehensions surrounding this issue are rising, as the opposition believes that it could lead to the division of socio-political fabric of the state, and may also create divisions on the basis of ethnicity of the people. 

The only solution in sight to end the ongoing impasse is to convene an assembly session.