“Lawful measures: Breaking the cycle of impunity in Manipur requires unpopular measures,” briefs about the ethnic conflicts and the challenge of impunity in Manipur.

Here are the key elements highlighted in the document:

• Nature of the Conflict: The ethnic conflicts in Manipur are described as different from other variants of strife, characterized by the nature and level of grievances making communities hostile towards each other. The document states that reconciliation and peace-building are difficult when there is a silent majority in favor of the conflict.
• Role of “Chauvinist Sections”: These sections are accused of trying to drown out voices of reason by spreading fear and divisive ideas, appearing to be “patronized” by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government, which has failed to isolate such elements.
• Impunity and Extremist Groups: The situation in Imphal Valley has escalated due to the protest over the arrest of leaders of the extremist identitarian outfit, Arambai Tenggol, highlighting the necessity and difficulty of implementing law enforcement measures in ethnic conflicts. This group has been involved in “wanton lawlessness” and has co-opted MLAs into pledging support for their chauvinist cause.
• Government’s Perceived Failure: The state government’s approach is criticized, particularly the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s inability to rise above partisanship. Security forces were also unable to act publicly against violent offenders, allowing such groups to become a major threat to peace. The arrests mentioned have coincided with similar actions against other militant volunteers allegedly involved in violence against law enforcement.
• Proposed Solutions and Lawful Measures:
  • The primary goal is to break the cycle of impunity.
  • Arresting those involved in crimes and bringing them to justice is crucial, as they should not be given in to threats made by those stoking communal passions.
  • It must be conveyed that these are lawful actions against malefactors.
  • Simultaneously, there must be engagement in talks with other stakeholders, combined with peace-building and rehabilitation measures.
  • Utilizing all-party meetings and involving civil society representatives from across all ethnic lines is necessary to reinforce this message.
  • The government must not give in to pressure to reverse the legal steps taken against offenders.