The Hindu Editorial Analysis
20 February 2025
Manipur is in need of ‘greater common good’ politics
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic: GS 3: Challenges to internal security
Context
- End Hostilities: There is an urgent need to stop communal violence and shift from populist politics to a more consensual approach.
Introduction
- President’s Rule in Manipur: On February 13, 2025, Article 356 was invoked, placing Manipur under President’s Rule, allowing the President of India to manage the state’s administration without dissolving the Assembly.
- Political Maneuvering: The ruling BJP is given time to resolve internal conflicts, avoiding immediate elections.
Reasons for the Current Situation
- Prolonged Anarchy: Manipur has faced 20 months of unrest since May 3, 2023, yet the Union government delayed invoking President’s Rule despite calls for it.
- Constitutional Deadline: The Assembly had not met for over six months, with the deadline expiring on February 12, 2025, after skipping the winter session.
Chief Minister Resignation
- N. Biren Singh Resigns: On February 9, Singh resigned under pressure from the BJP leadership to prevent a split in the party amid rising dissent.
- No-Confidence Motion Threat: The Opposition was ready to challenge Singh’s leadership, risking disqualification for dissenting MLAs.
Governor’s Actions
- Nullification of Assembly Session: After accepting Singh’s resignation, the Governor declared the upcoming Assembly session void, likely due to a lack of information about the constitutional deadline.
Imposition of President’s Rule
- Constitutional Limbo: With a caretaker government and a lapsed Assembly session, President’s Rule was the only viable option.
- Frequent Invocation: This marks the eleventh time President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur, reflecting its unstable political landscape.
Ethnic Diversity in Manipur
- Diverse Population: Manipur has 33 recognized Scheduled Tribes, primarily Naga and Kuki, alongside the majority Meitei community and various non-tribal groups (Nepalis, Punjabis, Tamils, Marwaris).
- Underrepresented Communities: Many non-tribal groups contribute significantly to the population but remain marginalized.
The Politics of Populism
- Understanding Populism: Defined as a political approach appealing to ordinary people overlooked by the elite.
- Three Types of Political Populism:
- Reordering Populism: Broad representation aiming for moral restructuring.
- Additive Populism: Inclusion campaigns for marginalized groups seeking realignment.
- Quotidian Populism: Exclusive constituencies maintained for vested interests, leading to societal polarization.
Political Populism in Manipur
- Conflict Dynamics: The political landscape in Manipur reflects various populist strategies amid ongoing ethnic tensions between Meiteis and Kuki-Zos.
- Root Causes of Conflict: Key issues include Singh’s actions against forest encroachment, poppy cultivation, and illegal migration, pursued insensitively.
Escalation of Hostilities
- Role of Populism: Political leaders exploited ethnic fears, escalating tensions into communal conflict.
Future Governance Challenges
- Short-Term President’s Rule: The current administration may be temporary, with a new BJP government likely to emerge soon.
- Key Challenges Ahead:
- Managing Population Movements: Ensure accountability for cross-border migration.
- Sensible Policy Implementation: Continue efforts against illegal activities with sensitivity.
Conclusion
- Ending Communal Violence: A collective effort is needed to cease communal hostilities.
- Shift from Populism: Future politics should focus on consensus and the common good, allowing capable leaders from any community to emerge based on merit, not populism.