Afrida Rahman Ali (FRA): Will the resignation of Chief Minister Biren Singh pave the way for both sides to come to the negotiating table and resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has displaced over 60,000 people and resulted in more than 200 deaths?

Patricia Mukhim (PM): Unfortunately, the situation in Manipur has been a massive failure of both the state and central governments. For months, Manipur, a border state, was left to fend for itself. The state administration was reduced to mute spectators while communities took the law into their own hands. Biren Singh remained in office for a long time despite the escalating violence and unrest. Only now, after two years of crisis, has he tendered his resignation, which seems to be a desperate measure. It's likely that the BJP, realizing his loss of support within his party, had no choice but to accept his resignation.

FRA: You've been vocal about this issue, and you’ve stated that his resignation is "too little, too late." Could you elaborate on what you think led to his decision?

PM: The background to his resignation is clear—BJP MLAs, including those from within his own party, realized that continuing with him in office would harm their chances in the next elections. There’s deep dissatisfaction across both the hills and the valley. When there’s a lack of governance, it affects everyone. At this point, it seems like the BJP is trying to save face rather than genuinely resolving the crisis.

FRA: The situation in Manipur has been tense, and there’s been a lot of anger against the Chief Minister. How do you assess his leadership during this crisis?

PM: The Chief Minister failed to bring an end to this prolonged conflict. His actions, or rather his inactions, were a significant part of the problem. The people of Manipur have lost so much—homes, livelihoods, and, most tragically, lives. These are things that can't be restored easily. It’s not just about politics; we need to consider the human cost of this crisis.

FRA: There have been claims that Biren Singh's actions, particularly regarding the eviction of illegal squatters and cracking down on drug networks, angered certain sections of the population. How do you respond to these claims?

PM: It’s true that the Chief Minister tried to take action against drug networks and illegal encroachments. However, such actions cannot be taken unilaterally. The local population, especially the Kukis, should have been taken into confidence before such drastic measures were implemented. The people of Manipur, including those from the Kukis community, also desire peace, development, and progress. They should not be treated as if they are against these goals. A fair and inclusive approach is necessary when addressing issues like these.

FRA: Do you think the resignation of the Chief Minister will lead to meaningful negotiations between the conflicting sides?

PM: There’s hope, but we must recognize that Biren Singh’s confrontational approach has created deep mistrust. He has never made genuine peace overtures, and it’s clear from the leaked tapes that he has often sided with one group over the other. Now that he’s stepped down, we hope that the new leadership will take a more balanced approach, prioritizing dialogue over confrontation. For true peace, both sides will need to be flexible and come to the table with the willingness to negotiate.

FRA: You mentioned earlier that the Kukis need greater autonomy. Can you explain what this would look like and why it's necessary?

PM: The Kukis and other indigenous groups need greater autonomy, especially in the areas of governance and development. Other states have district councils to ensure local communities have a say in their administration, and the Kukis should be given a similar structure. This would allow them to address their concerns in a more localized and effective manner. It's not about creating divisions, but about giving communities a voice in their governance.

FRA: There’s also the concern that Manipur's internal strife has exacerbated the problem of illegal migration and drug trafficking. How should the government address these issues without further alienating the local communities?

PM: It’s important to address illegal migration and the drug trade, but this must be done systematically and without politicizing the issues. The drug problem affects both the valley and the hills, and both communities are equally suffering from it. The government must adopt a more nuanced approach that doesn’t antagonize any particular group, but instead works towards a solution that benefits all communities in Manipur.

FRA: The situation has escalated to the point where local communities are now guarding their villages, and the police and central forces seem ineffective. What’s your take on the current security situation?

PM: This is a direct result of the state’s failure to maintain law and order. Local communities are forced to take matters into their own hands because they no longer trust the authorities to protect them. On top of this, underground militant groups have been allowed to roam freely with weapons, further complicating the situation. There’s been a complete breakdown of authority, and the government must step in to restore order and ensure security for all communities.

FRA: With Biren Singh stepping down and President’s rule being a possible option, what do you think is the best course of action now?

PM: There’s a real need for governance in Manipur, and that governance must be inclusive. The president's rule may be a temporary solution, but it should have come much earlier—immediately after the violence broke out in May 2023. A caretaker government may not be the answer. What’s needed is clear leadership with a strategy to restore order, engage in dialogue, and address the concerns of all communities in Manipur.

FRA: Looking ahead, how do you think the government can bridge the gap of mistrust between the two communities involved in the conflict?

PM: Bridging the mistrust between the two communities will not be easy, but it is possible. There must be a concerted effort to bring citizens’ groups together and engage in dialogue. The Naga community must also be part of this conversation. We cannot expect to resolve such a deeply rooted issue without including all stakeholders. Peace cannot be brokered in the midst of violence; we must first restore a sense of normalcy and then create a platform for genuine dialogue.

FRA: Finally, there’s been criticism that the Prime Minister has not visited Manipur, despite the ongoing crisis. How do you view this?

PM: The Prime Minister’s absence from Manipur during such a crucial time has been highly criticized. While he has been speaking about peace elsewhere, his own country’s state is burning. It’s hard to understand how the central leadership can justify such neglect, especially when the state is in turmoil. The people of Manipur needed leadership, but instead, they were left to fend for themselves.

FRA: Thank you, Patricia, for your insights on this issue. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

PM: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations going if we are to find a resolution.