Dr PM Nair, IPS (Retd)

This article is to generate discussion and positive action in addressing conflicts by bringing in an appropriate model of conflict management and, at the same time, addressing the crucial social issues, so that the focus of attention is on inclusive development. 

The philosophy is that development is possible only when there is social security and, therefore, both have to go hand in hand, where the developmental aspects need to take a simultaneous step.  This brief paper is presented with the view to address the burning issues in Manipur and other areas of conflict, like Manipur.

A good practice model from Lalgarh, West Bengal:   When the Naxalites (LWE) “liberated” large chunk of land in Purulia district in West Bengal, during December 2008, the district administration virtually fled away.  Even parliamentary election 2009 could not be carried out in the “liberated land”. Thereupon, Government of India took initiative to reclaim the land in a calculated and well planned operation.

After carrying out detailed research on ground followed by carefully articulated and smartly run operation, the entire land was reclaimed in a matter of two months in 2009.  The beauty of the operation was that except pinpointed, precise and focused encounters involving two top self-styled Naxal leaders, Lalmohan Tuddu and Kishanjee, the entire operation was done without “blood and bullet”. 

The philosophy was that the security forces, involving both Central Forces and State Police, undertook proactive and sensitive work, won the hearts and minds of the villagers and, secondly, involved themselves in the relief and developmental work by the district administration. 

The three legged approach of the security and development jointly working together made such a huge impact that Naxalism vanished from the entire territory in two years’ time.  This is a classical piece of conflict management in the history of India.  Can we consider this model for other places?  Why do we always think that development can follow only when security is established?  Why not let both go on simultaneously?

Tat Tvam Asi

The Chandogya Upanishad brings out this central concept in Advaita Vedanta, signifying the non-dualistic nature of reality.  It emphasis the oneness of all things.  The concept means that the individual self (Atman) is, in essence, the same as the ultimate reality (Brahman). 

This philosophy in Chandogy Upanishad which came up in 600 B.C., is a quintessential philosophy of Sanatana Dharma which goes onto add that “Thou Art That” meaning “I Am That”.  This is a key mantra from the Advaita Vedanta tradition.

Essentially this means that God is there in everybody and that everybody is God.  If everybody is God, all are equal.  This means that there is no division or schism in the society based on any manmade creations like caste, creed, ethnicity, religion, language, colour, eating habits or even biological aspects like age, sex and so on. 

Once the concept of Tat Tvam Asi is entrenched in the thoughts and action of every human being, there is no scope for rivalry or conflict / disputes.  This philosophy binds every community, upholding unity against all conflicts. 

Ably led by strong leaders, this message of oneness should go down through everybody, including political leaders, the administration, Forces, civil society, etc., reaching out to the last mile connectivity, thereby ensuring respect and dignity, rights and freedom for everybody.  Once all of us work in this paradigm without any deviation or distraction, we can build a harmonious society, where each one become not only a representative of divinity but becomes a divine oneself.

Drugs and National Security During 2024, as per records of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) the total drugs seized across the country is of the value more than Rs.25,000 crores.  A news report of January 2025 from Manipur shows that in one month, drugs worth Rs.399 crores were destroyed by law enforcement agencies. 

Drug trafficking is a major issue, which needs attention by all of us.  Human beings are meant to live, develop, prosper and enjoy.  They are not for destroying themselves by drugging. Drugs are recipe for destruction of human beings. 

The enemies of the nation, both within and without, have taken every possible step to bring in all types of drugs and lure the masses through different types of grooming techniques.  More often, at the ground level, the investigation process stops with victims of drug abuse or, at best, the local dealers. 

It is essential that the master minds are brought to book, their illicit money confiscated and law enforced on them with celerity, certainty and severity.  We need to cut out the source of supply.  All of us need to be stakeholders in this mission. 

We can be whistle blowers to the law enforcement agencies in identifying the sources and drug traffickers.  We can be instruments of change in educating and empowering the children, adolescents and youth by ensuring that they do not fall into the trap and becomes victims of drug abuse. 

Proper care by parents, teachers, community leaders, administration and political leadership in generating strong public awareness against drugs and building up a national momentum against drug issues is an important step.  Let us contribute our best by taking one step forward in this mission to make our society drug free.

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