Manipur: It's time to bring both sides to the peace table

India must get its act together in the Northeast and douse the many local fires, to present a united front

- JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY

A few days ago, those at the helm of Manipur's security took the unprecedented step of calling out a piece of fake news in circulation that some 900 militants from neighbouring Myanmar had entered the state.

Till then the tiny valley nestled between dense jungles and low hills had remained tense with villagers arming themselves to the teeth for another round of skirmishes between the majority Meitei community that dominates the valley and Kuki-Zo tribals who live in the highland districts nearby.

Many, including the highest political executives of the state, seemed to believe the strange tale to be credible intelligence, despite the fact that the movement of such a large body of men and material should have left enough telltale signs across the border. At the very least a fleet of 100 off-roader vehicles would have been required to transport this small army and that was simply not available in the state or in neighbouring areas of strife-torn Myanmar.

However, that is the way of the world, especially in conflict-ridden areas. Rumours become self-evident truths and truths are often termed as rumours, including moves by the central government to reach a peace accord. Moves which may have gained some traction in the “hush hush talks” being held in various venues, according to some politicians who have been involved in the preliminary talks.