How to Deal with Change and Differences in Times of Crisis

The 2023 ethnic conflict in Manipur has severed our socio-political ties with the state of Manipur and also set in motion a dramatic transformation within our society. There is a surge of revolutionary and reformist forces that challenge the traditional ideas, strategies, leaderships, and institutions. For some, this is a sign of a long-overdue awakening, while others fear socio-political fragmentation and instability at this critical juncture. As we drift through a period of uncertainty, we should realize that the way we respond to these developments will shape our collective future. We can either be derailed or be propelled closer to our political destination, depending on how we harness the winds of these new ideas and energies.

To begin with, there seems to be some sort of political disorientation among the people. With the expiry of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) tripartite agreement on February 29, 2024, which has not been renewed since, the Manipur government has withdrawn from the agreement, while the SoO group has disregarded the clause that upheld Manipur’s territorial integrity with their demand for separate administration, particularly after the ethnic violence of 2023. A demand that is yet to be fulfilled. Now a question of ‘Who is leading the movement and where are we heading?’ is frequently raised by the public.

Amid widespread disillusionment with the SoO groups, our MLAs, as well as with our apex CSOs in leading and for not securing a meaningful solution to our problem, there is an increasing voice for people-led movement from different corners. There is also the mushrooming of reform-oriented (radical to some) organizations and groups who criticize the current institutions and leaderships for being too docile and complacent in addressing our challenges. Similarly, some new women’s group committed to building an equitable society now openly questions our gender norms and practices which is unprecedented in our history. These emerging groups often questioned the current system and leadership, but not out of malice, but driven by a genuine desire for change and accountability.

Seeing this development, some organizations and leaders have been alarmed and even tempted to react with apprehension. But we should not be too overwhelmed by these new developments. We should realize that we are not alone in this predicament. Every society passes through such transformative phases. Take India during the freedom movement: it witnessed a spectrum of conflicting and even contradictory ideas and actors—the moderates and extremists within the Congress, the right-wing RSS, the left-wing Communists, and the Dalit movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who at the time was controversially seen as a collaborator for his active engagements with the British. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, we can appreciate how each contributed in their own way to the shaping of modern India.

Likewise, we should sometime look at our situation from an optimistic lens. The fact that these new developments emerged and thrived is an indication that we are a healthy, progressive, and politically active society, where there is a ‘free market of ideas’—where people actively think, reflect on the myriad problems we face, and collectively seek solutions. Moreover, their popularity and wide following indicate that they give expression to grievances and aspirations that were once confined to whispers, discussion at tea hotels, and ‘tap kuong houlim.’

Ultimately, the final decision rests with the mandated organizations. Therefore, rather than viewing these voices as confrontational or as a threat, it may be more constructive to view them as an expression of deeper, underlying structural problems that need to be addressed. It is also a gentle nudge to them to ‘up the ante’ in their goals, ideas, strategies, and leadership and inculcate adaptive efficiency—the capacity to evolve and respond effectively to changing social reality. And take mid-course correction if necessary.

If we are to move forward the old and the new has to learn to walk together. Reckless criticism of the old and forceful suppression of the new, in my opinion, is not the best way forward. We must move forward with respect for the old and also tolerance for the new. We should avoid villainizing and vilifying one another at all costs just for differences in ideas and approach. For this, we need to create space where genuine dialogue between the old and the new can happen. We also need to learn the art of voicing dissent as well as the temperament to tolerate one, a political skill that we will eternally need.

If not taken with due care, the new situation can lead to deep polarization and even to the extent of total breakdown of our society. Therefore, the dynamic should not be framed as a competition or power struggle between the old and the new. Instead, we should aim for balance, much like the principle of ‘yin and yang’ in Chinese philosophy, where two opposing cosmic energies, yet interconnected and complementary forces, when harmonized, bring stability and change.

(Views expressed are personal)