Imphal, July 30: Manipur has been grappling with ethnic conflict for nearly three months, with violence erupting between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe. The conflict was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This demand has been met with resistance from the residents of the hills, who have enjoyed this status since Independence.
Historically, the government in Manipur has been dominated by plainsmen Meiteis, who make up 53% of the state’s population and primarily reside in the irregular oval-shaped Imphal Valley. This has resulted in suspicion and discontent among the tribals, mostly Nagas and Kukis, who constitute 40% of Manipur’s population and inhabit the hills surrounding the valley.
The Kuki community is represented by 10 legislators, including five from the BJP, in the 60-member Manipur Assembly. The Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA), an ally of the ruling BJP government, also has two MLAs.
As the violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, disturbing reports of killings and rapes emerged from the state. The ruling government, currently led by the BJP, has faced calls for Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, as he has been accused of having close ties with the Meitei community.
Here are updates on the situation in Manipur and the ongoing ethnic violence:
1. Mother Demands Capital Punishment for Rapists:
The mother of one of the girls who was brutally attacked and paraded naked by a mob in Manipur is demanding capital punishment for the culprits. She has expressed her lack of trust in the state government and is seeking justice from the central government.
2. Manipur Govt Resumes Biometric Capture of ‘Illegal’ Myanmar Immigrants:
The Manipur government has resumed its campaign to biometrically capture all “illegal” Myanmar immigrants following the Ministry of Home Affairs’ instructions.
3. Tribals in Manipur Seek Support from Opposition Alliance INDIA:
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), an umbrella group of tribals in Manipur, has reached out to the opposition alliance INDIA, seeking its support for a separate administration and implementation of the President’s rule in the violence-hit state.
4. CBI Launches Probe on Manipur Viral Video:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case in connection with a viral video from Manipur, where two women were seen being paraded naked. Manipur Police have already arrested six accused after the video went viral.
5. Ex-Army Chief Hints at ‘Chinese Aid’ in Manipur:
Former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane has raised concerns about the involvement of foreign agencies in the violence-hit Manipur, indicating the possibility of “Chinese aid” to various insurgent groups in the northeastern state.
6. Opposition Delegates to Meet the Governor of Manipur:
A delegation of 21 opposition MPs will meet the Governor of Manipur to discuss the situation after visiting relief camps in the state.
7. Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey Meets Affected People:
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey has visited relief camps in Churachandpur and consoled a woman who shared her harrowing story. She assured the affected people of compensation for their losses and expressed her commitment to promoting peace and a brighter future for Manipur.
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8. Rally Held to Protest Against Kuki’s Demand for ‘Separate Administration’:
A massive rally was held in Imphal to protest against the demand for a ‘separate administration’ for areas inhabited by the Kuki community. The rally saw participation from tens of thousands of demonstrators from five valley districts of the state, demanding the territorial integrity of Manipur.
9. Meghalaya CM Calls for Political Parties to Address Northeast Issues:
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has urged political parties to take a keen interest in the Northeast region and address the challenges faced by its communities. He highlighted the importance of peace in Manipur for the overall well-being of the Northeast.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, and it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions to address the grievances of various communities. The central and state governments must work together to restore harmony and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens in the region.
