Manipur, a northeastern state in India, continues to be gripped by brutal ethnic clashes, as tensions between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meitei community intensify. The violence, which began over a year ago, has seen devastating consequences, including the destruction of entire villages, loss of life, and widespread unrest. While the spotlight remains on other parts of India, the violent situation in Manipur is increasingly dire and demands national and international attention.
Ethnic Clashes Over Economic and Political Issues
At the heart of the conflict are longstanding grievances over economic benefits, reservations, and quotas between the Kuki and Meitei communities. These issues have escalated into full-blown violence, disrupting the daily lives of the people in the region.
Latest updates from #Manipur: Police started firing to students protestors & many injured. Students occupied prominent central landmark of Manipur- Khwairamband Mothers market. Students are demanding PM @narendramodi action against Kuki Militants who fired Ballistic missiles &… pic.twitter.com/bigCIWmOKQ
— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) September 10, 2024
On Saturday, a fresh series of clashes broke out in the Jirbam district, which lies along India’s border with Myanmar. “Fighting has been ongoing between armed groups from both communities since morning,” stated Krishna Kumar, the Deputy Commissioner of Jirbam. Local authorities are scrambling to regain control as tensions flare in the area.
Missiles and Drone Strikes Spark Protests
The violence took a significant turn this past week with reports of ballistic missile and drone strikes allegedly carried out by Kuki militants, specifically targeting the Meitei community. This has sparked outrage across Manipur, with students taking to the streets in protest.
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Prominent climate activist Licypriya Kangujam took to X (formerly Twitter) to share visual evidence of students occupying Khwairamband, the central landmark in Manipur’s capital, Imphal. The students, in a massive show of solidarity, demanded swift and stringent action from central authorities against the Kuki militants behind these attacks.
On Monday, thousands of students gathered in front of the Manipur Secretariat and Raj Bhawan, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators of the drone and missile strikes. The protesters called for the protection of the state’s territorial integrity and administrative control amidst the escalating violence.
Kuki-Zo Community Protests in New Delhi
As the situation worsens, members of the Kuki-Zo community have staged protests in New Delhi, bringing their grievances to the national stage. They have called for the formation of a Union Territory with a legislature for their tribal region, citing the ongoing violence and the need for greater autonomy to protect their people.
The protesters in New Delhi emphasized the urgency of the situation, demanding that the central government take action to resolve the crisis, which has claimed many lives and left several communities in distress.
Schools and Colleges Shut Down, Internet Ban Imposed
In response to the ongoing violence, the Manipur government has taken drastic measures to ensure public safety. On September 8, the state government ordered the closure of all government colleges, aided colleges, private institutions under the Higher Technical Education Department, and schools. This closure will remain in effect until Thursday, September 14.
Further escalating tensions, the government imposed a five-day internet ban starting from September 10, aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and preventing the incitement of further violence. Curfews have also been imposed in at least three districts, adding to the sense of unease that permeates the region.
Central Government’s Response
The central government’s handling of the Manipur violence has come under scrutiny. While curfews and internet bans have been implemented to mitigate the crisis, the lack of a comprehensive long-term solution has led to growing frustration among both the Kuki and Meitei communities.
The situation in Manipur has escalated to a point where national intervention is imperative. The region’s leaders and activists have expressed the urgent need for peaceful dialogue and actionable steps to prevent further bloodshed.
