The Centre Forms Peace Committee Chaired by Governor to Tackle Manipur Violence

| 10 June 2023

Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has been reeling under violence and ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. In an effort to restore peace and foster reconciliation, the central government has taken a significant step by constituting a peace committee. Chaired by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, the committee comprises a diverse group of members, including the chief minister, state ministers, MPs, MLAs, leaders of political parties, former civil servants, educationists, literalists, artists, social workers, and representatives of ethnic groups.

The primary mandate of the peace committee is to facilitate a peace-making process among the various ethnic groups in Manipur. It aims to achieve this through peaceful dialogues and negotiations between conflicting parties or groups. By strengthening social cohesiveness, promoting mutual understanding, and facilitating cordial communication between different ethnic communities, the committee hopes to address the underlying tensions and restore harmony in the state.

The formation of the peace committee comes on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Manipur between May 29 and June 1. During his visit, Shah announced the constitution of the committee, emphasizing the government's commitment to resolving the ongoing conflicts. This move demonstrates the central government's recognition of the gravity of the situation and its proactive approach in seeking a peaceful resolution.

The violence in Manipur originated from clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' held on May 3. The march, organized in the hill districts, was a response to the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Unfortunately, these clashes triggered a series of unrest and subsequent waves of violence throughout the state.

The demands of the two communities diverge significantly. While the Meitei community seeks the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur to identify illegal immigrants, the Kuki community is advocating for the establishment of Kukiland as a separate state. Frustration and tensions between the two groups escalated, leading to violent confrontations.

In addition to the peace committee, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formed a 10-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe six cases related to the Manipur violence. The SIT, headed by a DIG-rank officer, aims to bring the perpetrators of the violence to justice and provide closure to the affected communities.

To ensure a comprehensive investigation, the central government has also established a three-member Commission of Inquiry. Led by former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Ajai Lamba, the commission is tasked with examining the causes and spread of the violence and riots that occurred on May 3 and thereafter. The commission's findings will shed light on the incidents and contribute to the formulation of effective measures to prevent such clashes in the future.

The formation of the peace committee, along with the parallel investigations, signifies the government's multi-faceted approach to address the complex issues underlying the Manipur violence. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, the committee aims to restore peace and harmony among the diverse ethnic communities in the state. The success of these initiatives depends on the active participation and cooperation of all stakeholders involved, including community leaders, political representatives, and civil society organizations.

As Manipur embarks on this path toward peace, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize dialogue over violence and engage in constructive discussions to address the underlying grievances. The central government's commitment to resolving the conflicts in Manipur sends a strong message that peace and unity are essential for the progress and prosperity of the state. With sustained efforts and genuine cooperation, the people of Manipur can look forward to a future free from the shackles of violence