Modern India146;s humiliated orphans

This Act, which empowers the security forces to shoot, search or detain anybody without a warrant and which has been imposed in most parts of the North-East for several decades now, and often misused, needs to be done away with immediately.

Manipur has a long history of women8217;s collective action, which include their movement against the levy on rice in 1904, Pothang or the Movement to discontinue the system of compulsory forced labour in 1913, the Zeliangrong Naga Uprising of 1927-32, the great Nupilan women8217;s Movement of 1939 and the Meira Paibi movement against alcoholism in 1975. This collective strength is a unique feature of the North-East region and has been responsible for bringing about many changes in society. Even during British rule, policy changes were brought about by the 1904 uprising. Any attempt to resolve ethnic, territorial and economic issues would thus do well to involve the women8217;s movement in the state and capitalise on their influence.

Secondly, the potential of the Manipuri youth who have made significant strides in the field of sports and martial arts8212;both at the local and national level8212;still lies untapped. Imagine the fame they could bring in were they to receive proper training and opportunities for development! Finally, the treasure of Manipur8217;s performing arts8212;theatre, dance and music8212;should be showcased to the world and not lost into oblivion.

The question I often ask myself is how many people in India are aware of these invaluable cultural assets of the state? Perhaps not many, because the history or literature of the North-East has found no place in our education system. The logical fallout of this is the rather condescending attitude that an 8216;Indian8217; may have towards a person coming from the region and the consequent feelings of alienation.

To get back to the AFSPA. The Centre should consider its removal, if only to enable civil society to shed its fears and create a space for talents to develop. Today, that space has been encroached upon by fears of violation of one8217;s life, property and dignity, both by the armed forces as well as the 8216;insurgent8217; group.

Admittedly the state has been reeling under extreme forms of ethnic violence. But while the presence of the Army may have provided temporary relief from such excesses, the underlying issues still remain unresolved. Many argue that the minorities and ethnic communities feel safer when the Army is around. Some have even confirmed that development programmes such as computer learning and mechanical skills, supported by the Army, have been conducive for many people. Yet, the level of violence continues to be a serious concern.

If Army presence is needed in Manipur, like in other parts of the country, let it be so. But the same Army unleashing violence on civil society under the aegis of the AFSPA and with the tacit consent of the Centre, would prove to be a fatal mistake. The state is already on the verge of explosion with many in the movement predicting dire consequences, including a call for independence, if the August 15 deadline for the repeal of the Act is not adhered to.

Why have things reached such a juncture despite repeated assurances by the Government and the Army of a probe into the killing? One of the chief reasons is the manner in which similar probes have been conducted in the past. Inquiry commissions formed after the Malom massacre, the RIMS incident and the Heirangoithong killing have failed to book culprits or take steps to prevent further atrocities by the security forces. They merely served as government tools to placate public opinion. In addition to this, the unkept promises of those elected in state shows the nature of governance and explains the distrust of the masses.

Not only must the AFSPA be repealed but perhaps the National Advisory Council should link up with like-minded people of Manipur and take up the North-East as a matter of urgent national priority.

The author is Chairperson, North East Network, a women8217;s organisation based in Assam