Autumnal thaw

Ever since the rape and murder of a young woman — allegedly by Assam Rifles personnel— roused Manipur into agitation, the response of the Central government, primarily the home ministry, has been marked by dithering and confusion. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the state last weekend will hopefully end that drift and commence meaningful engagement with the very substantial issues being raised by various Manipuri organisations. The signals thus far are certainly encouraging. They are also reminders that a spirit of trust and accountability can so easily melt antagonistic postures. The prime minister’s gestures interrogate his own home minister’s inability to tackle the challenges in Manipur this summer. Yet, they also show a way forward, if the government can summon the resolve, resilience and large-heartedness to stay the course.

Two snapshots stand out. One, the handing over of the Kangla Fort to the state government. Access to one’s special landmarks is an enduring test of a people’s freedom. And the occupation of this Imphal landmark has rankled with Manipuris. It was first acquired by the British in 1891 and since 1915 has been with the Assam Rifles. It thus provided a redeeming backdrop to the prime minister’s promise to begin a new chapter in Manipur’s history. Two, Manmohan Singh’s meeting with some of the women who startled the entire nation into inquiring into the roots of their despair by assembling at the fort in July for a unique protest. In response to their frustration over meagre focus on 32-year-old Thangjam Manorama’s death a few days earlier, they gathered at Kangla Fort, and disrobed. The prime minister’s meeting with them, hearing out their just demands for peace and accountability, can be a galvanising gesture of reconciliation.

Atmospherics, however, must be threaded with concrete action. Manmohan Singh has spoken of economic and social development. He has alluded to a relook at the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act to balance security concerns and human rights issues. Specific progress on all this is perhaps the only antidote to popular alienation.