Manipur Violence- A Message for Sikkim

As ethnic violence in the northeastern state of Manipur between the Meitei and the Kuki community reaches 12th week, scores of horrifying stories and visuals are coming out everyday in social media. Hundreds of innocent lives are lost, lakhs of people displaced and crores of property destroyed. Some of the videos and pictures which made their way to the internet are so graphic that one may confuse it with the situation of post war Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Recently, a spine chilling video of two women being disrobed and paraded naked has come out of the conflict zone that went viral. The video shocked the entire establishment including the Supreme Court. The conflict is showing no sign of simmering down, thus a large section of vulnerable population like women, children, disabled, senior citizens, medical patients and especially the poor who now awaits a very uncertain future ahead.

Most importantly, the future of its young population looks very ambiguous as the government of the day doesn't have any plans in place for their education or other alternatives. The violence that started on 3rd of May has not shown any sign of de-escalation or any hope of normalcy to return. Furthermore, it has spillover to its neighbouring states of Assam, Mizoram and Meghalaya, where cases of riots/clashes between the two communities (Meitei and Kuki) have been reported of late. At this point one has a citizen of this nation as general and Sikkimese in particular would like to know the real reason for this conflict and if something of this sort could happen in our own State. By now anyone following the news would know that the making of this violence in Manipur is not immediate and new. The real reason lies in the years of distrust between the communities, years of communal and vote bank politics, years of negligence and exclusionary policies of the successive State as well as the Central Govt.

Case of Sikkim:

Sikkim, the serene, peaceful and picturesque northeastern State of India, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, is home to a rich tapestry of diverse communities, each community has a rich history of its own, each has unique culture and tradition and each contributing to the harmonious fabric of the region. Sikkim has 11 recognised official languages and more than dozens other languages spoken in various parts of Sikkim by various communities. This shows the diversity of our small State. Despite the striking cultural, linguistic, and religious differences, the people of Sikkim have long celebrated communal harmony, fostering an environment of brotherhood, unity, and coexistence. The Sikkimese society has always been inclusive, accommodative and welcoming. It is a remarkable testament to the resilience and inclusivity of the state's inhabitants.

However, communal harmony in Sikkim is not without its challenges, as the region grapples with modernization, external influences, influx, illegal documents holders and socio-political dynamics. This article aims to delve into the strength and challenges of communal harmony among the various communities of Sikkim.

Sikkim, even though it is the least populated and second smallest State by area is often referred to as a "miniature India," is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The state is inhabited by numerous indigenous communities, including the Lepchas, Bhutias, Limboos, Tamangs (STs) and Nepalese, among others. Each community has its unique customs, language, and religious practices. Despite this diversity, the people of Sikkim have always embraced the coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and cultural celebrations. There is always a space given to new ideas and beliefs systems. Local festivals like Losoong, Namsong, Dasai, Losar, Tihar, and Christmas bring together people from different communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration. The vibrant traditional dress and unique cuisine of each community become an integral part of the shared cultural landscape, creating a rich tapestry that truly reflects the spirit of communal harmony.

One of the key factors contributing to the strength of communal harmony in Sikkim is the deep-rooted respect for each community's heritage. Almost all communities in Sikkim have a belief in nature worshiping, we worship our mountains, our rivers, streams and forests. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of every individual in Sikkim, and yet, it does not create a divide. Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity coexist harmoniously, reflecting the acceptance and tolerance that permeate the state. The monasteries and gompas, such as the Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery, Phodong attract tourists and devotees from around the world. They serve as symbols of faith while fostering a sense of unity among the communities. Interactions between religious leaders, gurus, and babas further promote understanding and harmony, transcending religious boundaries.

Challenges:

However, alongside its strengths, communal harmony in Sikkim faces several challenges which are multidisciplinary and multidimensional in nature. The State's exposure to external influences through media, tourism, and migration has brought new ideas and cultures into the state, impacting its organic and traditional way of life. While this exchange has its own merits, it also poses a risk to Sikkim's communal harmony. The embrace of modernity and globalization, which may look cool especially among the young generation, can sometimes overshadow the importance of preserving the State's unique cultural and traditional heritage which are like the DNA of our existence and survival. It becomes imperative to strike a delicate balance, where progress is not achieved at the cost of diluting traditional values and identities.

One worrying trend in Sikkim is fast vanishing or depleting local mother tongue (languages). This phenomenon can be seen in almost all communities, especially among the population living in urban centers like Gangtok, Namchi and its surrounding. The situation is so pathetic among Bhutia millennial that they don't even comprehend their own language, speaking and writing is a lost cause for this generation. Though Sikkim is a small place, there exist a lot of unspoken stereotypes. Our youths would visit half the world but will wait for someone from outside to remind them of the beauty of their own place. I find it so funny when WhatsApp groups are flooded with links of some YouTuber explaining to us who we are and what we ought to be. In fact there is a visible lack of knowledge about our State among our young people, which if left unaddressed can further create wider gaps among various communities.

Furthermore, political and socio-economic factors present most daunting challenges to communal harmony in Sikkim. The influx of migrants from neighbouring states seeking economic opportunities has led to concerns among the indigenous communities about their cultural homogeneity and livelihoods. The score of undocumented and illegal COI holders in the State is another problem which stands knocking right on our doorstep. Recent events like the judgment by the Supreme Court of India terming our Nepali brothers and sisters as "Foreigners" was a test of our shared unity and identity. Despite efforts to address these concerns through policies like the Inner Line Permit system, tensions occasionally arise. It is crucial to ensure that the aspirations and interests of the indigenous communities are protected while promoting inclusivity.

Two and Half Decade of SDF rule

Sikkim has been ruled for a quarter of a century by a single party and to a large extent one can say a "one man ideology". It has its own merits and demerits. Arguably, without a doubt the greatest achievement of this 25 years old rule is the Organic Sikkim. Sikkim has been globally appreciated, acknowledged for this success. For the generation to come Organic Sikkim will continue to remain a biggest Sikkimese contribution to the world. However, on account of communal harmony, the 25 years of SDF government. led by one individual and under one vision has done a lot of damage to break the harmonious social fabric of Sikkim. The former government actively encouraged and even participated in activities that would bring drift between communities for its political gain. This myopic vision of the former leadership continued till the end of its rule in 2019. The evidence of such policies are visible in the apparent drift between Bhutia and Lepcha communities in today's time. Once considered one blood and flesh today there exists a huge mistrust between the two communities.

Likewise, under the watch of the same government, a propaganda book by Mr. Gopal Gurung from Nepal was widely circulated with the evil intention to divide a particular community. So, one should not be surprised when Madam Mrs. Bhandari openly speaks the truth about the genesis and foundation of the SDF party was communal vote banking during the Mandal Commission agitation.

Way Forward:

The only reason why Sikkim didn't witness communal riots and violence is because of the people of Sikkim. The sole credit has to be given to our people for not only refusing to be divided on communal lines but also for actively advocating to derail such forces.

Not everything is perfect under the present dispensation as in any democracy there are issues and setbacks but one distinctly visible achievement of the current government led by Chief Minister PS Golay is his emphasis on healing and repairing these drifts and mistrust among communities. Not once in the last 4 years of the present government a communal angle was explored to garner support or stay popular, in fact what one can see is the equal treatment and attention given to all communities across all religions. It even seems like a personal mission of CM Golay to repair and rebuild and never take a gamble on the issue of communal harmony. Having said that more proactive steps need to be taken by the State to address any gaps and mistrust among communities. State collaboration with local organizations and community leaders and elders would go a long way. Consistent support initiatives that preserve and promote cultural diversity should be explored. The establishment of cultural centers, museums, and language schools will be instrumental in nurturing a sense of pride and belonging among diverse communities. By safeguarding their traditions and providing platforms for cultural exchange, communal harmony in Sikkim continues to thrive.

Educational institutions in Sikkim also have a pivotal role to play in fostering communal harmony. While strides have been made in the field of education, curricula and teaching methodologies should be designed to instill values of tolerance, empathy, and respect among the students. There is a dire need for introducing the history of Sikkim in the curricula of schools which should be more inclusive so that all the communities would find a sense of belonging and pride of being Sikkimese. Promoting cultural exchanges, organizing inter-community events, and raising awareness about the significance of communal harmony can help build a more cohesive society.

In conclusion, communal harmony is the bedrock of Sikkim's peaceful and inclusive society. The people of Sikkim (Bhutia, Lepcha, and Nepali) should engrave in our hearts and minds that prosperity of our State lies in our peaceful coexistence. The people of the state have exemplified the ability to celebrate diversity, fostering unity and brotherhood across communities. The strength of communal harmony in Sikkim lies in the deep-rooted respect for each community's heritage, the peaceful coexistence of multiple religious beliefs, and the inclusive political and administrative policies. However, challenges exist in maintaining this harmony amidst modernization, external influences, and socio-political dynamics. By striking a balance, promoting cultural understanding, and empowering marginalized communities, Sikkim can continue to be a beacon of communal harmony for generations to come. Today's Manipur is an eye opener for all States in general and Northeastern States in particular.

(Views are personal. Email: klobzang14@gmail.com)