National News:The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has given its response to the violence that has been going on for the last one year in Manipur. The All India Publicity Head of the Sangh Sunil Ambekar said that whenever the situation deteriorates, it takes time to become normal. But if compared to the previous year, then the situation now seems to be improving. Ambekar called it the beginning of peace. He says that there is talks between the two sides, which has expected a solution. Ethnic violence started on 3 May 2023 in Manipur. So far more than 300 people have lost their lives in this violence and thousands of people have become homeless from their homes. The districts like Imphal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi were the most affected. It was at its root order of a High Court, in which the state government was asked to recommend ST status to the Maetai community.
In protest against this decision, All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) organized a ‘Tribal solidarity march’ on 3 May 2023. This march was taken out by Naga and Cookie communities. Violence erupted in the Turbang area of Churachandpur during March. The mob allegedly attacked the Maetai community, in response to which the districts of the valley overturned and the fire spread throughout the state.
Another reason behind the violence erupting was to remove cookie dominated villages. The state government said that these villages are encroaching on protected forest areas, which was necessary to remove. But the Cookie community considered it an attack on its land and identity. Due to this, the resentment of the tribal society became deeper. Protests started across the state regarding this action of the government.
The RSS was quiet for a long time over the Manipur violence, but now that the situation is seen to some extent, the Sangh has cleared its side. This statement comes at a time when the pressure on the central government was increasing to handle the situation. Ambekar clearly stated that dialogue is the only way, and the process of peace is slowly moving forward.
Even though the incidents of violence have taken place in recent times, tension at the ground level is still intact. The return home of the people living in relief camps is still incomplete. Security forces are still deployed in many villages. It will take time to restore social confidence, but the RSS statement has given a positive indication that dialogue efforts continue. Following the RSS statement, the stir in political circles has intensified. If the opposition is calling it a late statement, then the government is considering it as support. Now everyone’s eyes are on whether permanent peace will really return in Manipur or it is just a political statement. The coming week and the ground situation will be finalized.
