Judicious use of apologies in managing the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict in Manipur

Dr Raj Singh

Ethnic conflicts, marked by intergroup animosity and violent clashes, are deeply ingrained in historical grievances, identity crises, and struggles for power and resources. The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Mani-pur is a glaring example of such strife, with roots in identity-based politics, land rights, and cultural differences.

In the face of these challenges, apologies can serve as a powerful tool for reconciliation—but only when applied judiciously. Their effectiveness depends on timing, sincerity, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a commitment to corrective actions. In such conflicts, apologies are not mere words; they are strategic acts that require careful consideration and execution.

The Chief Minister’s Apology: A Missed Opportunity? On December 31, 2024, Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, held a press conference to express regret over the year-and-a-half-long ethnic con- flict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. He apologized to the people of Manipur, invoking the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the gesture sparked mixed reactions. Critics questioned the sincerity of the apology, pointing out the Chief Minister’s perceived inaction during the crisis and his lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons for his regret.

It remains uncertain whether his apology was issued in a personal capacity or as an institutional acknowledgment by the State Government. Moreover, the generalized nature of the apology—addressed to both the Meitei and Kuki communities—failed to account for their distinct grievances and experiences. This ambiguity undermined the potential of the apology to initiate meaningful dialogue and trust-building.

The Emotional Core of Ethnic Conflicts

Ethnic conflicts, such as the Meitei-Kuki strife, are deeply emotional. They transcend individual grievances and are tied to collective identity, cultural pride, and historical narratives of oppression and suffering. Any approach to reconciliation must address these emotional undercurrents alongside immediate political and socio-economic issues. While the Chief Minister’s apology may have aimed to touch upon these emotional dimensions, its lack of specificity and depth rendered it ineffective.

The Role of Apologies in Conflict Resolution

Apologies are communicative acts that acknowledge harm, express remorse, and promise corrective measures. Scholars like Aaron Lazare emphasized that effective apologies must include acknowledgment of harm, an explanation of wrongdoing, expressions of remorse, and reparative actions. In the context of ethnic conflicts, apologies can symbolically restore dignity to victimized groups and rebuild trust between warring communities.

Theories of restorative justice and conflict transformation highlight the poten- tial of apologies to mend relationships. John Braith- waite argues that apologies address emotional and symbolic dimensions of harm, facilitating reintegration. Similarly, John Paul Lederach’s conflict transformation theory underscores symbolic gestures like apologies as essential for creating shared narratives and fostering long-term reconciliation.

Essential Elements of Effective Apologies in the Meitei-Kuki Context

To make an apology effective and meaningful in the context of the Meitei-Kuki conflict, certain key elements must be considered.

1. Sincerity and Authenticity : The Chief Minister’s apology must come from a genuine place of remorse. Without sincerity, it risks being dismissed as a political maneuver. Genuine remorse is conveyed not only through words but also through actions that demonstrate commitment to reconciliation.

2. Acknowledgment of Specific Harms: A meaningful apology must address the specific grievances of both communities. For the Kukis, this may include acknowledgment of displace- ment and loss of lives. For the Meiteis, it may involve recognition of perceived marginalization and security concerns. A failure to address these distinct harms can make the apology appear superficial.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Empathy is crucial in bridging divides. The apology should reflect a deep understanding of the trauma experienced by both communities. This includes acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of the issues at hand, such as land rights and autonomy.

4. Timing and Context: The timing of the apology is critical. Given the prolonged nature of the conflict, issuing an apology without concurrent efforts to address grievances can appear insincere. Additionally, the apology must align with broader peacebuilding efforts and be delivered in a context conducive to dialogue.

5. Accountability and Reparations: An apology must be accompanied by tangible measures such as reparations, justice for victims, and systemic reforms. For instance, a clear plan to address displacement, ensure equitable resource distribution, and protect cultural heritage could demonstrate sincerity.

6. Commitment to Change : The apology should be part of a larger commitment to policy reforms that promote justice and equality. Without such actions, the apology risks being perceived as an empty gesture.

Lessons from Global Examples

The efficacy of apologies in ethnic conflicts is well-documented globally, providing valuable lessons for the Meitei-Kuki context.

1. South Africa: Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): Under Nelson Mandela’s leadership, South Africa’s TRC emphasized apologies and public acknowledgment of apartheid-era atrocities. Perpetrators publicly confessed their wrongdoings, facilitating healing and national unity. Similarly, a truth commission in Manipur could provide a platform for both communities to voice their grievances.

2. Australia: Apology to the Stolen Generations: In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology to Indigenous Australians for forced child removals marked a significant step toward reconciliation. This was accompanied by educational initiatives and public acknowledgment of historical injustices, offering a model for addressing historical grievances in Manipur.

3. Germany: Holocaust Acknowledgment: Germany’s post-World War II reparations and apologies to Jewish communities set a global standard for reconciliation. Symbolic acts, such as Chancellor Willy Brandt’s kneeling at the Warsaw Ghetto memorial, demonstrated genuine remorse. Manipur’s leader- ship could adopt similar symbolic gestures to convey sincerity.

4. New Zealand: Treaty of Waitangi Settlements: The New Zealand government’s apologies for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, paired with financial settlements and cultural initiatives, improved Crown-Maori relations. Comparable measures, such as restitution of land or cultural initiatives, could be explored in Manipur.

Best Practices for Effective Apologies

For apologies to achieve their intended purpose, they must adhere to best practices:

1. Incorporate Reparative Measures: Words must be followed by actions, such as reparations, policy reforms, and initiatives promoting coexistence.

2. Engage Affected Communities: Victims and stakeholders should be actively involved in shaping the apology and accompanying measures.

3. Ensure Public and Institutional Commitment: Apologies should reflect both individual and institutional acknowledgment, ensuring systemic change.

4. Use Symbolism and Ritual: Symbolic gestures, such as common public memorials or cultural ceremonies for Meitei and Kuki about the conflict, can enhance the impact of apologies.

Conclusion

Apologies hold immense potential to resolve ethnic conflicts by acknowledging past wrongs, restoring dignity, and fostering reconciliation. In the Meitei-Kuki conflict, an apology— if sincere, specific, and accompanied by reparative actions—could pave the way for healing and dialogue. However, an apology must not be a standalone act; it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict and promotes long-term peace.

While Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s apology was a step in the right direction, its shortcomings underscore the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach. By drawing lessons from global examples and adhering to best practices, Manipur’s leadership can use apologies as a cornerstone for reconciliation, building a harmonious and equitable future for all its communities.

The author is a Manipuri expat living in Canada. He can be reached at [email protected]