Imphal, Aug 03:Â The ongoing conflict in Manipur has left a trail of devastation, with 35 Kuki-Zo people losing their lives. As the community prepared for a mass burial in Haolai Khopi village of Churachandpur, the Manipur High Court intervened, directing that the status quo be maintained at the proposed burial site.
In this article, we delve into the latest developments surrounding the burial, the court’s directive, and the measures taken to address the escalating violence.
Ahead of the planned mass burial, a Bench led by Acting Chief Justice M.V. Muralidharan conducted an emergency hearing at 6 a.m. The Manipur High Court directed both the State Government and Central Government to ensure that the status quo is maintained at the proposed burial site in Haolai Khopi village. This directive was issued to prevent any further escalation of tension and violence in the region.
Additionally, the court granted the Kuki-Zo people the liberty to apply for an alternate burial site for their deceased community members. This decision was made to accommodate the sentiments and preferences of the affected community and ensure a respectful burial process.
Notices were also issued to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Joint Philanthropic Organizations, and the matter was scheduled for further hearing on August 9. The court’s intervention reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a cautious and judicially-monitored approach.
In response to the volatile situation, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) made a call for the mass burial of the 35 Kuki-Zo community members killed in the ongoing ethnic violence. However, considering requests from Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister of Mizoram, the ITLF decided to postpone the burial by five days.
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The ITLF cited assurance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that if the burial is deferred, the proposed burial site will be legalized. This assurance provided some relief to the community as they sought to navigate the sensitive issue of burial amidst the ongoing conflict.
Amid the impending burial and the tense atmosphere, the authorities took precautionary measures to maintain law and order. Additional Central security forces were deployed to the Bishnupur-Churachandpur district boundary in Manipur. This deployment aimed to prevent any potential clashes and maintain peace in the region during this sensitive period.
As the situation unfolds, another challenge arises concerning the preservation of the deceased bodies. The bodies, including those of three women, were preserved using traditional practices involving white pumpkins and ice slabs.
Currently, the Churachandpur District Hospital, where the bodies are kept, has only nine cold-storage units available. This limitation poses logistical difficulties and highlights the urgent need for appropriate facilities to ensure the dignified handling of the deceased.
The Manipur violence has caused immense loss and grief to the Kuki-Zo community, leading to the planned mass burial of 35 deceased members.
The intervention by the Manipur High Court, directing the maintenance of the status quo at the burial site and granting the community the liberty to seek an alternate site, demonstrates the court’s commitment to addressing the situation judiciously. The decision to postpone the burial by the ITLF reflects a willingness to engage in dialogue and find peaceful resolutions amidst the turmoil.
As the situation remains tense, the deployment of additional Central security forces is a necessary step to maintain law and order. However, it is crucial for all stakeholders to approach the issue with sensitivity and empathy, considering the profound impact of the violence on the affected communities. Adequate preservation facilities for the deceased bodies must also be addressed promptly to ensure a dignified and respectful process.
As the matter continues to unfold, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue, understanding, and compassion to pave the way for a sustainable peace-building process in Manipur. Only through such concerted efforts can the region move towards healing and reconciliation.
