Where have all those civil societies, political parties and individuals fighting for Manipur integrity gone?

Dr. Th. Suresh Singh *

Tourist Map of Manipur :: Pix :: http://manipur.nic.in/

Is Manipur integrity means only fighting against Greater Nagalim and against NSCN (IM) demand? No, not at all, everybody will agree that it means preserving our own settled and earmarked boundaries. Then, the next question arises what is the earmarked boundaries? Do we have a settled boundary? Yes, we have a clear settled boundary of our own. Is it historically and legally binding? Definitely Yes, Manipur has a historically and legally binding boundary.

Then what is this? This refers to the uncontested and settled boundary the British left to us when they left Manipur at the midnight of 14/15 August, 1947. It also means legally binding boundary we had with India at the time of the so called controversial Shillong merger agreement dt. 21/Sept/1949.

While stating so, the writer does not want to include the controversial Kabo Valley. It is kept aside for the time being as he wishes to deal it is a separate column at an opportune time.

Next step is how big our boundary is at that time. For this we have to refer to Maharaja Bodhchandra's famous 1st Manipur State Assembly Inaugural Speech dt. 18/Oct/1948 where he stated that Manipur had 8,650 sq. miles; this includes 7,900 sq.miles in the hills. Whereas the Govt. of Manipur published the statistical handbook of Manipur, 2002, clearly stated Manipur geographical area of 22,327 sq.km. If we convert 8,650 sq.miles into sq.km., it turns out as 22,404 sq.km. Presently, Manipur is losing about 1,000 sq.km. Where have all these areas gone? Those fighting for Manipur integrity interested in this? This is a good question to ponder.

Now we have to examine where has this 1,000 sq.km. gone? Distinctly, we have boundary dispute in 5 clear cut areas.

These are:-
Boundary disputes with Burma in
i) Moreh and
ii) Ukhrul sector;

and with Nagaland in
iii) Mao gate,
iv) Dzuko Valley and
v) Jessami.

Though the writer has limited knowledge in the disputes, he would like to put whatever knowledge he has as below:-

1) Moreh Sector: The writer was posted as no i/c Moreh dispensary during 1975-77. At that time pillars were seen distinctly while crossing the present 2nd gate. It was reported that various pillars are removed by the Burmese authority from time to time and what we are having presently is - a loss of about 1/4 - 1/2 km. along the line covering many pillars. This can easily be confirmed by the people living in Moreh and surrounding area. The writer himself is a living witness to this.

2) Ukhrul Sector: Though the writer has so specific knowledge about this sector, removal of many pillars by the Burmese was reported in the newspaper from time to time similar to the one in the Moreh sector. Our state must have lost, by this time, around 1/4 - 1/2 km. along various pillars as happened in Moreh sector.

3) Mao Gate: Every adult Manipuri knew that a TB sanatorium was constructed and was functioning for us about one km. towards Nagaland from the present Mao gate. It was dismantled and Nagaland occupied that area as well as the surrounding area. Again many square km were lost when Nagaland became a full-fledged state in 1965. Post merger, we have lost many areas. Manipur became a silent spectator to all these happenings.

4) The famous Dzuko Valley: Of and on, many sporting/adventurous teams visited this area. They reported occupation of our certain areas by Nagaland. Various newspapers reported construction of one guest house by Nagaland on our part. There was also a huge and cry in various newspaper reportings. Though the guest house was removed at the last moment after taking up the matter with the Centre, the problem remains. Nagaland's unlawful occupation of Manipur land continuous off and on. The same is happening in Lai and Tungjoi areas.

5) Zessami Sector: Though it is also an old one, the recent incident occur on 18/4/2012 after capture of 5 Jessami people by Nagaland counterparst from Meluri Village armed will guns and other weapons. The 2nd incidence took place on 5/5/2012 where there were shooting incidences between Manipur Police and Nagaland villagers. Though the matter is solved temporarily, courtesy local MLA Preshow Shimray, tension conditions off and on. Off and on, Meluri villagers continue forcible occupation of cultivable land of Jessami villagers including destroying of crops/fruits, etc. There was incidence of Nagaland Government forcibly constructing guest house, fishing hut, placement of Nagaland armed police etc. on our side of Jessami. Though these were removed after taking up with Centre, such incidence continues. When Tigi River is the interstate boundary between Manipur and Nagaland, the writer can't imagine the reason of such repeated conflict.

Instead of protecting, it is reported that 18 VDF personnel were transferred to Ukhrul because of the firing incident. What is lousy policy?

6) How much sq.km. we have lost ? Maharaj Bodhchandra stated in the 1st Manipur State Assembly inaugural speech (18/Oct/1948) that Manipur had 8,650 sq. miles. If we convert it into km., we had 22,404 sq.km. at that time. Dr. M. Manimohan Singh, Sr. Geographer working at GOI Centres directorate, stated in a quiz competition organized by HERICOUN on 8/4/2012 that the British left Manipur with a sq.km. 23,327. He further stated that the state Govt. had never measured the area of our land; hence we are not sure of the length and breadth of our own land. This is a true statement.

However, State Govt's statistical handbook, 2002 and repeated yearly publications afterwards mentions Manipur area as 22,327 sq.km. The means since merged to India, we had lost at least 1,000 sq.km. Are we ever thought about this? Are our civil societies/ politicians/others fighting for Manipur integrity bothered about this? This is a point to ponder.

Feel jealous of what is happening in other states:

International boundary disputes and inter-state boundary disputes are not new. It is happening not only in Manipur but in other parts as well. However, the difference is - whether the particular State Govt. belongs to the ruling class at the Centre or not, the State Govt. and other NGOs/Organizational took active part and make noises thereby forcing the Centre to act reasonably. This is not happening in our State.

Let us see the recent following happenings, which one will feel jealous when compared to what is happening in Manipur:-

i) Assam Meghalaya border dispute of Langpih is not new. However, the two Govt tried to settle the same by mutual discussion. Probably now, it is in the final stage of settlement.

ii) International boundary dispute between Bangladesh and West Bengal border at Tin Bigha Corridor is not new. However Mamta Bannerjee shown guts by absenting when Bangladesh P.M. Sheikh Hasina visited the area on 19/10/2011. Thus, she indirectly challenged the two Union Ministers, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mr. Jitin Prasad, who welcomed the Bangladesh P.M. Thus no constructive discussion was held during the visit.

iii) Nagalands forcible occupation/trying to forcefully occupy neighbouring state's area is not new. Recently, as late as 11/5/2012, Naga incursions took place at Naginijan tea estate under Jorhat District. The Assam Tea Tribes Student's Association (ATTSA) started one week blockade of Mariant-Mokokchung road and demanded immediate security for the people to the State Govt.

iv) Recently CPI (M-L) leaders of Assam had a bike rally at Taraso forest area of Arunachal Pradesh. A.P. govt. strongly urged the Central leaders not to repeat such incidence in future. Only for bike rally, such a strong action from the State Govt. - a rally laudable action.

What we should do?

1. Stop aphorism: Whatever actions taken, by not only the present State Govt. but also by previous Governments, are all adhoc in nature. Various Chief Ministers, Congress and others, never thought it for future and tried to have an interim arrangement only. This seriously affected us leading to the loss of many kms. as mentioned above. We may not be able to recover the lost areas again. What a man-made misfortune for Mother Manipur!

2. Post securitymen to the troubled areas: Without Central intervention/ approval, the State Govt. should post our own forces in these troubled areas. Where have our 55,000 strong State forces gone? Are they meant only to curve some peaceful dharnas/demonstrations particularly by womenfolk and young students in the small valley areas only?

Have a look - During the latest Dzuko Valley incident, a large no. of forces were sent to be withdrawn soon afterwards after calm returns. Similarly RBI was posted previously at the Jessami area. But then, it was again withdrawn leaving the Security to 40 VDF personnel. No doubt, the flare up again continued and will continue again. Common sense doesn't tell common people the reason of the failure of the State Government to deploy our own State forces to the troubled areas permanently. One only can subscribe it to the lack of interest and unpatriotism on the part of whoever is responsible for law and order and boundary security from time to time.

Hence, post permanent security men with enough strength at last to these 5 areas noted above so that further shrinkage of boundary do not happen. The sooner, the better.

3) Dispute with Nagaland: Our Hon'ble C.M. should take up this matter with his Nagaland counterpart. Nothing prevents him from doing so. A dialogue at the Chief Secretary level should start immediately, it may take various rounds, but at least a beginning should be made. During the dialogue, our previous boundary upto Zukhoma in repect of Mao Gate should be insisted and ask to return to us back.

At the same time the P.M. and the Home Minister be posted the true historical facts, backed up by a clear write up. The Centre may be requested to reign in the Nagaland Govt. about their misbehaviour of ellegal adventure to Manipur area.

4) Dispute with Burma: As it a International boundary, the Centre is to be involved. As stated above, we have lost valuable areas in Moreh and Ukhrul Sector. Hence before border fencing starts, the State Govt. should inform the Centre about the factual position i.e. loss of boundary pillars or keeping them far inside Manipur area etc. and to take up the same with a firm hand with Burmese authority.

5) Show firmness: If the State Govt. doesn't show firmness to the Centre as well as to the neighbouring state, nothing is going to happen. The same fate as the Kabow Valley will befall Manipur.

6) Role of People: A re-look into the role of all of us - Civil Societies, politicians, intellectuals etc. - is a must now. Now is the time to think and act that fighting for Manipur integrity is not only the fight against NSCN (IM) agenda of greater Nagalim; it means the fight for preserving the boundary/area we had legally inherited at the time of Shillong Merger Agreement.

All of us should be at our toes. A noise here and a dharna there won't do. We have to make uninterrupted noises by constantly reminding the neighbouring State and the Central Government about our legally owned areas. This has to be a combined and concerted effort. Otherwise the boundary shrinkage will continue. It is useless to blame the selfish leaders only. We, the common people, the ordinary citizen, intellectuals, civil societies etc. should also take our own share of blame. Are our brethren ready at least to ponder?