The Union Home Ministry (MHA) recently claimed success in fostering unity and peace in northeastern India. However, this appears untrue, especially in Manipur, where ethnic violence since May 2023 persists.

Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

• Conflict resolution and peacebuilding are dependent on various factors. A peaceful outcome is likely when one side emerges victorious and seeks reconciliation with the losing side.
• Alternatively, peace can be achieved through an honorable compromise between two sides. In some cases, even without a formal resolution, a fragile peace can be maintained through ongoing dialogue and discussion. 
• However, a situation characterized by repeated violence and ongoing hostility, where the parties involved refuse to engage in dialogue, cannot be considered peaceful.

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Manipur’s Chief Minister’s Apology

• In the aftermath of the violence, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, issued an apology for the ethnic conflict that ravaged the state. 
• However, this apology is seen as insufficient, as it comes too late, and the government’s credibility is questioned, particularly among the ethnic communities affected. 
• The apology fails to restore the confidence of Kuki communities, and the government’s inability to address the root causes of the violence is a sign of ineffective leadership.

Reimposing the Protected Area Regime

• In December, the Union government reimposed the Protected Area Regime in the Northeast, citing security concerns linked to the influx of refugees from Myanmar’s civil war. 
• The MHA’s decision to treat refugees fleeing the Myanmar junta’s repression as “infiltrators” could have severe consequences, particularly in fragile border states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram .
•  This approach could further strain ethnic relations and heighten tensions in the region.

Way Forward

• Rather than focusing on labeling refugees as infiltrators, the MHA should prioritize a more humane approach to addressing the refugee situation. 
  • The government needs to work in collaboration with state governments to create policies that protect the rights of refugees while also addressing security concerns.

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Conclusion

A future focused on inclusivity, development, and genuine reconciliation, rather than superficial self-congratulation, holds the potential to bring true peace and harmony to the region. Only then can the Northeast realize its aspirations for unity and prosperity.

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