The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and Delhi Policy Group last month released a report on lessons learnt from India's experience engaging in dialogue with insurgent groups. The major conclusion drawn in the report is that dialogue can be of benefit - by for example, reducing violence - even if it fails to achieve its primary aim of attaining sustainable peace.
Conflict and dialogue in Manipur is one of the report's three case studies. The view presented is guardedly optimistic. Acknowledging the complexity of the situation in Manipur, the report argues that it is not entirely intractable. It cites the Indian Government's talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) as an example of a peace process that, despite not effecting a lasting political solution, has helped decrease violence.
Other lessons learnt in Manipur include the counter-productivity of inflexible preconditions to talks and the importance of central and state government coordination. A number of recommendations are made, including increasing the role of civil society, focusing talks on humanitarian - rather than political - concerns and appointing an interlocutor.
The report also represents an excellent background paper on Manipur and its insurgencies.
Conflict and dialogue in Manipur is one of the report's three case studies. The view presented is guardedly optimistic. Acknowledging the complexity of the situation in Manipur, the report argues that it is not entirely intractable. It cites the Indian Government's talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) as an example of a peace process that, despite not effecting a lasting political solution, has helped decrease violence.
Other lessons learnt in Manipur include the counter-productivity of inflexible preconditions to talks and the importance of central and state government coordination. A number of recommendations are made, including increasing the role of civil society, focusing talks on humanitarian - rather than political - concerns and appointing an interlocutor.
The report also represents an excellent background paper on Manipur and its insurgencies.
