But, when read between the lines, the NESO letter, signed by the organisation’s chairman Samuel Jyrwa and secretary-general Mutsikhoyo Yhobu, has an operative part which avers that NESO is ready “to assist in any constructive efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis and ensure a stable, secure future for Manipur”. While building up the case for a representative peace team and well-meaning intervention, the two top office-bearers of NESO, which has seven state-level affiliates, vented their strong feelings thus : “The people of Manipur need to see that their suffering is acknowledged ... The absence of strong, timely leadership and intervention has allowed the conflict to fester ....”

Enquiries by IPA from sources close to the organisation suggest that its executive committee will in the coming days meet to explore how it can bring the two sides to the dialogue table. To that end its top leaders will identify individuals known for their credibility on both sides to persuade them for talks without any reservation. The sources conceded that given the deep-rooted mistrust and animosity between the warring sides it would be a tough call but they are optimistic that the student community’s initiative may be seen as a genuine desire on their part for a breakthrough.

When NESO sets the ball rolling, it may have the format of a backchannel dialogue, possibly at a neutral location, as is the case usually when knotty issues are concerned. At the moment, suffice it say that NESO is looking beyond student and educational matters and thus expand the scope of its involvement, observers told IPA. Interestingly, if NESO’s move fructifies, it may be the second initiative for backchannel discussions. The maiden effort was made by Assam Rifles and the Army in June 2023, that is, a few weeks after Manipur saw ethnic flare-up on May 3. The backchannel dialogue was to take place at Guwahati in early July. But, within days after the blueprint was readied, “the video of women being stripped and paraded went viral ... and then it took a totally different turn ; the rest as they say is history”. [Extracted from immediate past Assam Rifles DG Pradeep Nair’s interview to The Hindu of September 17, 2024].

In attempt to assess the prevailing mood in Manipur, this correspondent talked to several civil society persons. Rev Simon Raomai, president of All Manipur Christian Organisation told IPA : “the situation is very complicated, very sticky ; we are perplexed, we are confused. We do not know in whose court the ball is. Person-to- contacts on the two warring sides is part of history. Emotionally, they are separated”. Christians account for a large chunk of Manipur’s population.

A retired IAS officer thinks it is too late in the day to think of bringing the state under President’s rule. Asked if Amit Shah is calling the shots, he said “indeed he is”. In his assessment, Shah is politically shrewd, but administratively not”. A good number of BJP MLAs are against chief minister N Biren Singh; but they have to be content being aggrieved ; for they know the central leadership is against changing him, said another retired senior officer. The chief minister’s repeated request for he being given control of the unified command has so far not being entertained by the home ministry.

On why Prime Minister Modi has not cared to visit Manipur although it remains in a hapless state for over 16 months, a view that has gained acceptance among large sections is that he would visit only when there is a breakthrough ; till then he would, as indeed he is, count on Amit Shah’s handling of the affairs. In what would appear to be a different view is that the Centre is waiting to see the fatigue factor setting, forcing the warring sides to agree on negotiations including the subject of operational autonomy to the Kuki-Zo community.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to provide relief to the common people the Union government has decided to supply essential commodities at lower than market prices through Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandars which at the moment cater to the needs of the police and Army families. Currently there are 21 such supply centres As a larger segment of the population is to be covered under the scheme 16 more supply centres are to be opened as early as possible. The home ministry, which announced the decision on Tuesday, claimed the scheme has been launched on the suggestion of the Prime Minister. (IPA Service)