Imphal, Sept 03: P. Chidambaram, a prominent figure in India’s Congress party, has raised concerns of “ethnic cleansing” in the Imphal Valley of Manipur, following reports that the last remaining Kuki-Zo families were forcibly evicted from their homes by security forces. This development comes in the wake of ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, resulting in significant population displacement and loss of life.
Chidambaram expressed his alarm in a statement, citing a report from The Hindu that detailed the forced removal of the last five Kuki families in Imphal. He asserted that this action signifies the completion of “ethnic cleansing” in the Imphal Valley, which is predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community.
The former Home Minister took to Twitter to voice his concerns, stating that when a state government engages in “ethnic cleansing,” and the central government claims that the state’s governance complies with the Constitution, it is a shameful and alarming development. He described it as a new low in India’s decline into lawlessness.
According to a report in The HINDU, the last 5 Kuki families in Imphal were forcibly removed from their homes by the authorities
This means that "ethnic cleansing" Is complete in the Imphal Valley that is dominated by the Meitei people
A State Government presides over "ethnic…
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) September 3, 2023
The reported eviction involved 24 Kuki residents from Imphal, a city dominated by the Meitei community. Security officials justified their actions by citing concerns for the safety of these residents. However, two individuals from the Kuki community contended that they were forced to leave their homes on Friday night.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur have resulted in significant population displacement. Many Kukis residing in the Imphal Valley sought refuge in the tribal-dominated hills, while Meiteis living in Kuki-majority areas fled to the Imphal Valley. At least 165 lives have been lost in the violence.
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Some members of the Kuki community had remained in areas like the New Lambulane locality in the Imphal West district, where they were provided heavy security cover by central security forces. However, the reported eviction on Friday night raised concerns about their safety.
Security officials maintained that the Kuki residents were asked to leave their homes in the middle of the night due to “imminent danger” to their lives. They were subsequently escorted under security to a government accommodation. The situation remains highly volatile, with ethnic tensions and violence persisting in Manipur.
