The fire burning in Manipur for these days is no forest fire. It is a blaze that is burning off and apparently confined to pockets in the state. Continuing violence points to a lack of political will. An obduracy on the part of the powers that be in failing to acknowledge that more needs to be done is for all who care to see.

A closer look reveals Meiteis, especially the civilians have been at the receiving end of violence. The number of casualties have gone up to 12 this month and it needs no great insight into the affairs of Manipur to name the perpetrators of the ongoing violence.

Unrest that erupted in this state last May is far from over. Recurring incidents of violence are pointers to it. A mob targeting third Indian Reserve Battalion at Khangbok, Thoubal is not a sign of violence petering out. Another attack on Thoubal police head quarters is another pointer to an unquiet Manipur. The situation is indeed grim. It is a small consolation that the mob was not allowed to get its way on both occasions.

Three BSF personnel being injured, a Indian Reserve Battalion jawan and a havildar on deputation to Manipur police commandos being killed and two others being injured at the border town of Moreh are certainly not harbingers of peace. The attack came from two Kuki gun toting militants who turned out to being the main accused in the killing of Sub Divisional Police Officer of Moreh Chingtham Anand in October last year.

On the other hand, Manipur's home department commissioner requesting the Home Ministry for "air assets" in Imphal to meet with similar emergency situations is indeed a focus on fingers reaching out for the panic button. The helicopter has been provided for ferrying injured security personnel and relief materials.

The powers that be have thus prevented s scenario that a deteriorating law and order problem from worsening. But if it requires air strikes, it would be a dark day for the Executive wing of the country.

The crisis is by no means over. Another chapter of it is about to begin which is a pointer to the past nine months of ethnic conflict. The state government is yet to step up and tackle it. Once the demand for the chief minister, N Biren Singh was on many lips. It was muffled when a group of women marched to his residence and sought that he stays put.

But one seeks answers why the accusation of partisanship is rife against the state government. So are the charges in the way of functioning of the security forces comprising Army and paramilitary personnel amassed during the initial stage of the conflict. Men in uniform have not been able to bring peace. The army chief's assertion in this regard cuts no ice.

In fact, it overlooks the fact the tramp of regulation boots in the deserted streets of riot torn areas need to dispense compassion and sensitivity. Both have to be given in equal measure if it is to be suitable prescription for the improvement of the situation.

Violence against the security forces who do not have an axe to grind is a pointer to the people's identification of these men in uniform as anything but their protectors. It is a disturbing portent that only 30 per cent of the 4500 arms looted from the police armoury has been recovered so far.

It needs no great intelligence to infer that these arms are on circulation adding considerably to Manipur's troubles. The situation is such that each feels distrust for the others as well as those meant to protect them.

Nor is the instability in Myanmar together with Arakan rebels claim of taking over Petwa town in Chin state. Its proximity to Indian and Bangladesh borders adds to the volatility of the situation.

Formation of a peace committee with representation from different ethnic groups, civil society and political parties appeared to be the light at the end of the tunnel. The announcement coming from none other than Union home minister Amit Shah last June saw this committee running into hurdles.

The obstructions came in the shape of internal differences. It is yet to meet to cut short the season of anger and grief that seems to be unending. Manipur needs a salve of understanding and compassion for its open wounds. It is still on the lookout for them. (IPA Service)