By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Yearning for Peace in Manipur: A State Ravaged by Ethnic Conflict
A Year of Unresolved Strife
More than a year has elapsed since deadly ethnic violence erupted in India’s north eastern state of Manipur, claiming over 220 lives and devastating communities. Despite the passage of time, the state’s three million residents remain in a state of turmoil, awaiting the restoration of peace.
Roots of the Conflict
The clashes began in May last year, triggered by tensions between the Meitei, the majority ethnic group, and the Kuki, an indigenous minority. The conflict was sparked by Kuki protests against Meitei demands for official tribal status, which would grant the Meiteis eligibility for affirmative action and other benefits. The ensuing violence displaced tens of thousands, with around 59,000 people still residing in government relief camps. The strife has not only fragmented neighborhoods but also severed longstanding bonds between the communities.
A Divided State
Today, Manipur is starkly divided. The Meiteis primarily occupy the Imphal Valley, while the Kukis live in the surrounding hill areas, separated by security forces and makeshift buffer zones. Many locals have taken up arms some obtained from military sources, others homemade to defend their villages. Efforts by federal and state officials to mediate between the groups have been insufficient, with a recent peace deal collapsing within a day. Persistent distrust and sporadic violence, including attacks on security personnel, underscore the ongoing volatility.
Seeking Solutions
Sanjoy Hazarika, a commentator and expert on India’s north eastern states, notes the continuing tension and mistrust. He emphasizes that a resolution of past grievances is essential for moving forward. Meanwhile, the state government and the Meitei community often blame illegal immigration from Myanmar for exacerbating the conflict, a narrative the Kuki community, with its ethnic ties to Myanmar, sees as a targeted attack against them.
On the Ground Realities
In Sugnu village, about 60 kilometers from Imphal, the divide is evident. The village, once home to both Meiteis and Kukis, now stands deserted by the Kukis, who have fled to the hills. The area remains heavily guarded, with Meitei women groups like the Meira Paibis overseeing village entry points. Yumlembam Manitombi, one of these guards, lost her son in the violence and expressed a deep yearning for peace.
In Churachandpur, the Kuki stronghold, similar security measures are in place. Boinu Haokip, who fled Sugnu to escape the violence, now struggles to make ends meet in Churachandpur and laments the setback the conflict has caused to her community’s progress.
Challenges for Refugees and Relief Efforts
The conflict has also driven some refugees to neighboring Mizoram, where they face shortages of essential supplies and rely on odd jobs for survival. Nengnei Chong, a refugee in Mizoram, regrets fleeing, expressing a deep sense of despair.
Mizoram lawmaker TBC Lalvenchhunga highlights the financial constraints of the state government in addressing the refugee crisis and calls for more federal support. Locals and opposition parties have criticized both the Manipur state government and the federal government for their handling of the situation, with accusations of inaction and political exploitation of the conflict.
Hopes for Resolution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured efforts to restore normalcy, noting the reopening of schools, colleges, and offices. However, critics argue that mistrust between the Meiteis and Kukis has only deepened, with the Kukis demanding a separate administration a proposal vehemently opposed by the Meiteis.
Experts like Hazarika stress that peace building is a slow and painful process. They call for patient and persistent efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table, acknowledging that true healing will take time.
