In a recent interview with senior journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, Niketu Iralu, a respected elder of the Naga community and a prominent peace activist, raised concerns about Prime Minister Modi’s silence regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur.
Iralu, who is also the nephew of Naga leader AZ Phizo asked, “Why is the prime minister not saying a word? Is he the prime minister only of the BJP or of all of India?”
During the interview released on Thursday, June 1, Iralu expressed his reservations about the ‘deliberate’ inaction of the Indian paramilitary forces in restoring order in Manipur.
Iralu proceeded to recount the visit of several prominent BJP members, including Prime Minister Modi, to Manipur during the 2022 election. However, it was surprising that both the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah chose to remain silent on the issue this time, with Amit Shah’s arrival in Manipur occurring just two days ago (after almost a month since the turmoil began).
In this regard, Iralu said that the home minister’s delay coming to Manipur was a cause of great suspicion and concern and, therefore, seems ‘deliberate’ because “India being one of the top super powers” allowed such violence to go on for more than 28 days in a small state like Manipur.
Furthermore, he expressed suspicions that the Union government might be indirectly supporting the Meitei attacks on the Kuki community. Iralu drew attention to the targeting of approximately 200 churches, including those belonging to the Meitei community, which raised concerns about the deliberate religious coloring of the troubles in Manipur by organizations such as the RSS and other Hindutva forces.
When discussing the stalled talks between the Modi government and Muivah and the NSCN, Iralu acknowledged the justifications behind the NSCN’s demands for a separate constitution, a separate flag, and greater Nagaland. However, he advocated for these demands to be set aside temporarily and entrust them to future generations and a more mature Indian parliament for resolution.
Iralu’s advice was rooted in the understanding that the Nagas cannot overcome the strength of the Indian army, and currently, the Indian parliament and government cannot handle the demand for a separate constitution or flag or greater Nagaland. Therefore, he recommended deferring these issues for the time being.
“Indian parliament and government cannot handle the Naga political issue. Indian democracy is too immature,” he said, adding that the priority for Nagaland is development and to heal the hurt that various people and tribes feel.
“The issue of a separate constitution, a separate flag and greater Nagaland are not priorities and should be left for later generations to handle,” he said, adding, “Let the Indian democracy mature.”
Amit Shah announces panel to investigate incidents of violence in Manipur
In a press conference held today in Imphal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed the central government’s commitment to restoring peace in Manipur. He announced the formation of a committee, led by a retired high court judge, to investigate the incidents of violence in the state.
Noting that several agencies are working in Manipur to investigate incidents of violence, the Union Home Minister said a special CBI team will also investigate cases of violence in the State. He assured the people of Manipur that the investigations will be carried out without any bias and discrimination and the guilty will be punished. He added, the central government is providing eight teams of medical experts including 20 doctors to Manipur to provide aid to victims of violence in the state.
Addressing the issue of armed individuals, the Union Minister emphasized the need for surrendering weapons to the police. He announced that combing operations would commence the following day, warning that strict actions would be taken against anyone found in possession of illegal arms.
Amit Shah is currently on a four-day visit to Manipur, demonstrating the central government’s dedication to addressing the violence and restoring peace in the region.