Engaging Failed State: Political, Social and Economic Issues of Contemporary Manipur

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Failed state is a State that is tense, deeply conflicted, dangerous and contested bitterly by warring factions In a Failed State, two or more insurgent groups operate inside the system The Insurgent groups challenge and contested the legitimate authority of the State. Maintenance of law and order is very poor in a Falled State and unable to protect the lives and property of the individuals. It fails to provide proper infrastructures for all round development and very poor and weak in public service delivery mechanisms. This is precisely what is happening in Manipur Manipur is tense, deeply conflicted and contested bitterly by different warring factions. There are many insurgent organizations operating inside the state. The lives of the Manipuri are very insecure due to various reasons. Protests, demonstrations, strikes and bandhs are a common feature of everyday life. The book is a collection of essays which deliberates upon political, social and economic issues experienced in Manipur. The book contains 30 chapters. It includes key issues like democracy, insurgency, ethnicity, women, etc. which are debated in contemporary Manipuri society. It is divided into five sections. The first section of the book discusses the political issues which are witnessed and experienced by the people of Manipur. It includes issues like democracy, political parties and elections. The second section of the book analyzes and discusses the issues of insurgency and ethnic conflicts in Manipur. It focuses on topics like ethnicity, sub-nationalism and insurgency. The third section of the book covers wide ranges of issues concerning the Manipuri women. Section four of the book deals with the issues and problems of education in Manipur. The last (five) section of the book discusses issues, problems and prospects of economy in Manipur.

AYANGBAM SHYAMKISHOR (b. 1975) (MA Political Science, PH.D) born and brought up in Awang Sekmai, Awang Leikai, Imphal West District. Manipur. He is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, Mizoram. His areas of interest are in the field of Indian Government and Politics, State Politics with reference to Northeastern State, Political Theory, etc. He is a Life member of the Indian Political Science Association (IPSA) and North East Indian Political Science Association (NEIPSA) He has participated and presented papers in various seminars, conferences and other academic forum at the State, Regional and International level He has published many research articles in both national and international journals. He has contributed book chapters in many edited volumes and also published a book: Party System in Manipur (2012).

Manipur-the Switzerland of the East shines in the northeastern most corner of India. She shares her international border with Myanmar on the east and south east. The state can be divided into two geographical regions-the hills and the valley. The hill ranges are known for its natural scenic and it is the home of different indigenous tribes. They belong either to Naga or Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups. There are 36 recognized tribes and sub tribes in Manipur. They are Aimol, Anal, Angami, Any Kuki Tribe, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Kabui, Kacha Naga, Kharam, Kom, Kairao, Koireng, Lamkang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Any Mizo (lushai), Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Pourai Naga, Purum, Ralte, Sema, Simte, Suhte, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, Mate and Puimei. Each of these Schedule tribe communities has their own dialects, culture and tradition which are unique in their own way. Every ethnic community also wanted to protect, preserve and promote their distinct culture and tradition. The valley of Manipur is the home of different communities like Meitei, Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim), Mayang (Bihari, Bengali, Assamese, Nepali, Marwari, etc.) and different communities from the hills. It means that different ethnic groups live together in Manipur. They are Manipuri even if they belong to different ethnic group or community.

Different communities live together peacefully in Manipur since time immemorial. However, there is a trust deficit among different community living inside the state, recently. There is a division between and among the Manipuri on ethnic lines. There is a clear division between the hill people and the people living in the valley of Manipur. At the same time, there is no cordial relationship between various ethnic groups inhabited in the hills of Manipur. For example, Naga leaders have lost their hope and faith to live peacefully with other community in Manipur. That is why leader of United Naga Council (UNC) have been demanding for 'Alternative Arrangement for the Naga living in Manipur Simultaneously, Kuki also lost their faith to live peacefully with the Naga.

**Contents and Sample Pages**