Power manifests in various forms—ideological, political, military, and economic—each shaping the course of history. In Manipur’s ongoing struggle, the rise of revolutionary groups signifies the fusion of these power dynamics in the quest for sovereignty. The failures of the INC and BJP, rooted in their miscalculations and divisive policies, have fueled resistance and altered the political landscape. As the conflict extends beyond India’s borders, Manipur’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—the resilience of its people will determine the next chapter. The lesson for all political forces is simple: ignoring the will of the people only strengthens the call for self-determination.
Power is the ability or capacity to influence, control, or direct people, events, or resources to achieve specific goals. It can be derived from various sources, including physical force, knowledge, position, or collective action. Power can be classified into different types based on its source and application. Political power involves control over governance, policies, and decision-making. Economic power centers on control over financial resources, wealth, and economic policies. Military power uses armed forces or strategic defense to exert influence. Ideological power shapes beliefs, values, and narratives, often through education, media, or religion. Social power impacts communities, traditions, and cultural movements. Coercive power stems from force, threats, or fear. Legitimate power is granted by law, constitution, or recognized authority. Charismatic power is gained through personal leadership, vision, and inspiration.
The greatest power depends on the context. Ideological power is the strongest in shaping long-term movements and revolutions, as it influences minds and creates a lasting impact. Military power is often necessary for enforcing sovereignty, but without ideological backing, it cannot sustain itself. Political power is crucial in governance and policy-making. Economic power supports all other forms of power. For revolutionary leadership seeking sovereignty through revolution, a combination of ideological, military, and political power is necessary. Ideological power drives commitment, military power ensures enforcement, and political power provides legitimacy.
Revolutionary groups must earn legitimacy by gaining trust within the movement, demonstrating commitment, strategic thinking, and leadership. They must understand and articulate the core philosophy of the revolution, inspiring and mobilizing people. Building organizational strength, strengthening networks, alliances, and grassroots support is essential. Tactical capability must be demonstrated through effective planning and execution of strategies. Commanding loyalty and discipline, gaining the trust of both leadership and cadres through integrity and dedication, is vital. Engaging in political and diplomatic strategies, negotiating and forming alliances to strengthen the movement, is equally important. Proven leadership in crisis—showing resilience and decision-making ability in critical situations—is a must. Revolutionary leaders must gain power authorized by the movement’s leadership, proving capability, ideological clarity, and strategic vision, ensuring that their leadership contributes effectively to the broader goal of sovereignty through revolution.
“As you sow, so shall you reap” is a proverb that resonates deeply with the revolutionary movement, meaning the consequences of their actions, good or bad, will eventually come back to them. It emphasizes the idea of action (Karma), justice, and personal responsibility. Good deeds will yield good outcomes, while wrongful actions will bring negative consequences. The Indian National Congress (INC) is responsible for the Manipur merger agreement, leading to the current turmoil. The BJP, responsible for the May 3 proxy war, found its inaction during the Kuki attacks uniting the Manipuris against the party and the central government instead of dividing them. This led to the rise of revolutionary groups and armed resistance like Arambai Tenggol, which began actively opposing both Kuki militants and BJP’s governance. As the violence continued, revolutionary groups emerged as the strongest combined force of all insurgencies in Manipur, gaining mass support from the Manipuri people.
The Power Struggle in Manipur: A Quest for Sovereignty
176