PR may not last another 6 months

Free Thinker
An editorial of a major National Daily headlines “Missing in Manipur”. The editor contends that - PR is a temporary arrangement – it is not a substitute to a popular government. It was imposed for the restoration of normalcy in the State. Now, the pertinent question is - in the last six months whether the Centre’s rule has restored normalcy in the state of Manipur. Apparently yes, but those who are closely associated with the ground reality – normalcy is not fully founded.
The incidents of violence or bloodshed are almost nil in the last 5/6 months. Some sporadic incidents might be there. Arrests of extremists and extortionists have been going on, both in the hills and valley. The operations to retrieve arms and weapons have also been carried out simultaneously. There is tremendous progress in curbing militancy and disarming the citizens.
What is lacking is the confidence among the citizens particularly between the two warring sides. Of course some Civil Society organizations including the RSS have been trying for the last several months to hasten the reconciliation process between the two communities. There is a headway – common people on both sides want to come forward and live together as usual. But, the masses are heavily influenced by the militants. The same editorial maintains - “it must take steps to curb the influence of militant groups on both sides that could derail attempts at reconciliation”.
Hence the Union Home Ministry and its agencies must put pressure on the militants – most of them are in touch with them – to give a free hand to the common people for a free and fair negotiation for a peaceful settlement. When the ‘ultras’ are withdrawn – an honest reconciliation process may be initiated for a real time solution among the people.
The Manipur Home Department still maintains that around 57,000 people continue to reside in over 280 relief camps across the valley and the hills. Perhaps this is the data on paper. In reality the number is much less these days. If the Government starts giving 3 lacs per family to the IDPs for their relief and rehabilitation – almost all of them may move out from the relief camps.
After handing over the money let them go wherever they want – to the original habitation or somewhere else. Let us not insist that they must go back to their original home village or places. If some of them really want to go back to their original homes, security protection will still be required in some sensitive areas.
A friend at the top security establishment says – it will take some more time for the people to go back to their original places – because the sense of security and confidence are still lacking. Therefore, imposition from above may not work. The role of civil society organizations and political parties is important to create a conducive plucky atmosphere all around. Particularly the Meitei Civil Society and Kuki-Zo fraternity must sit across the table and work out.
Ideally in a democracy a people’s government must be restored at the earliest. Perhaps the Centre is waiting for a near complete restoration of normalcy in the State. Violence has been checked throughout the length and breadth of the State. Movements of goods and services have been smoothened in the last few months; free movement of people is there except for two communities.
When the two communities have started mingling and living together without fear in the mix-habitation areas like Moreh and Langol, then we can think of reviving a popular government in Manipur. The President can’t promise a popular government when unpopular things are still in vogue.
For clarity, for media friends – in Parliament there are two types of Bulletins namely Bulletin Part I & II.  Bulletin Part I contains the information of the day’s sitting of the ‘House’ (for Session period only). Bulletin Part II is published throughout the year – carrying information relating to the functioning and happenings of Parliament. Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha issue both the Bulletins separately. The bulletins are basically meant for MPs ; but these are public documents accessible by all and sundry through ‘Digital Sansad’.
The Union Home Minister’s statutory resolution for extension of PR in Manipur was published on 24 July, 2025 in Bulletin Part II of Rajya Sabha . This is an information given to the Members indicating that such a resolution has been admitted (that means – permission has been granted for listing the same in the business of the ‘House’) and it is coming up in the days to come for discussion and passing during the on-going Monsoon Session. The same resolution will be passed in Lok Sabha again. Such statutory resolutions (matters) are pre-approved by the Union Cabinet and are to be assented by the President after passing by both the “Houses” of Parliament.
Finally, coming to the riddle, when will the state government be resurrected?  My guess remains the same, by the end of the mango season of the South i.e., around Deepawali, after demolishing Ravana.  If Sangathan desires to prove that they are still in charge of the cultural affairs or otherwise – a Vijayadashami Centenary gift for Manipuris will be widely applauded.