A Growing Crisis of Ethnic Violence in Manipur
The Central Government’s ongoing reluctance to effectively address the escalating ethnic violence in Manipur has led to a humanitarian crisis. The state, currently under President’s Rule, witnessed a surge in violence following a statement by Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1, resulting in one fatality and 103 injuries, with 16 individuals in critical condition. This turmoil stems from a prioritization of political grandstanding over the immediate needs of the populace, as they grapple with an escalating humanitarian crisis of the state’s own making.
On March 10, just two days after Manipur again captured media attention with visuals of burning vehicles and violent clashes, residents of Kangpokpi’s hill district worked to clear debris from recent chaos at the Keithelmanbi Military Colony (KMC). Among the remnants were shards of glass, tear gas canisters, and rocks strewn across homes and streets.
Lalgouthang Singsit, a 30-year-old resident of KMC, tragically lost his life to security forces on March 8 while attempting to escape. This occurred ironically on the same day that Shah announced a policy of “free movement” in the violence-ridden districts of Manipur, a move that has hampered efforts to build trust within affected areas, widening the rift between local governance and the community.
In stark contrast to government claims of peace, International Women’s Day on March 8 saw Kuki-Zo women demonstrating against Shah’s announcement, only to face lathi charges and tear gas. The confusion from March 8 lingered among local residents and the security forces enforcing the order.
The Historical Context of Violence
KMC, with roots tracing back to World War II, has served as a settlement for Kuki-Zo soldiers who aided the British. Established in 1946, this village along the Asian Highway, formerly National Highway 02, has become a focal point of conflict, with militant extortion becoming commonplace across diverse communities. The highway has seen increasing militarization as a result of the ongoing violence, which Home Minister Shah has often referenced in his discussions throughout this tumultuous period. His solitary visit during peak violence resulted in a directive for Kuki militants to reopen the highway, which they had blocked since the onset of ethnic strife on May 3, 2023.
Mixed Reactions and Disinformation
Shah’s March 1 announcement met with mixed reactions, leading to mobilizations by valley-based groups toward hill districts, while tribal organizations warned of potential repercussions. A notification was issued a day before March 8 regarding the launch of a bus service from Imphal to the Kuki-Zo districts of Kangpokpi and Churchandpur – an initiative previously attempted without success. Residents in Kangpokpi voiced skepticism, insisting that no government-operated bus had ever traversed their district from Imphal.
On the morning of March 8, a group from the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), a Meitei organization, began a “peace rally” toward Kangpokpi but was intercepted by police before reaching the border. Central Armed Police Forces offered a government-escorted travel option which FOCS declined due to safety concerns. Locals mobilizing in Gamgiphai within the district were fueled by misinformation, fearing that Meitei individuals would be escorted in bulletproof vehicles.
Violence Erupts Amid Misinformation
The situation escalated when a Border Security Force convoy, with an empty state transport bus, approached Gamgiphai. Enraged women began hurling stones at the convoy, prompting a swift response from security personnel, who resorted to using tear gas. Despite the chaos, the convoy managed to bypass the protests.
However, accusations from the women persisted, suggesting that individuals associated with the opposing faction were hidden within the convoy. Senior officials retorted that civilian demands could not dictate governmental operations. Unfazed, the women bravely returned, creating barriers to protect their community, even extinguishing tear gas shells with water.
As the convoy advanced towards KMC, residents joined forces to form human barricades. Ultimately, the confrontation spiraled into chaos, with security personnel met with resistance through stone-throwing and petrol bombs. Amidst the turmoil, Singsit was shot while attempting to evade security forces, escalating community demands for accountability.
A Call for Justice and Reconciliation
The community articulated deep anger and frustration over government oversight and the failure to prioritize dialogue at such a critical juncture. Kuki-Zo groups reiterated that they would not relent on their demands until their calls for the transfer of local officials and an apology from the government were acknowledged. Despite the pressure, the Ministry of Home Affairs remained unyielding.
Kimneizou, general secretary of the Kuki Women’s Organisation for Human Rights, articulated the need to prioritize rebuilding trust rather than simply conducting political maneuvers. Their demands highlight an urgent need for empathy and listening to the voices of marginalized groups, particularly women affected deeply by these crises.
Community Perspectives on Conflict
Paongam Dimngel, a retired teacher from KMC, described the harrowing experience of feeling directly threatened in his own home when security forces targeted civilians with tear gas and chili bombs. Dimngel expressed disbelief that such force could be used against families residing away from the conflict zone, insisting that more open communication would have avoided such drastic measures.
On March 8, local leaders reportedly communicated an agreement to local forces regarding the bus service, yet this was evidently not conveyed effectively to community members, who stood united against perceived threats to their safety. Calls for accountability remain unanswered, with women leaders asking why discord remains prevalent among the government and civil society.
Looking Ahead
As discussions about governance resurface, criticism of the government’s ineffectual response to the violence continues to mount. Adequate healthcare remains achingly out of reach for critical patients in the region. Meanwhile, footage of armed youth showcasing weapons elucidates underlying tensions, juxtaposed with meetings held by officials with known offenders of violence against the Kuki-Zo community.
The events of March 8 reaffirm the perception of governmental bias. This ongoing violence, coupled with neglect towards justice and healing, renders peace in Manipur a distant prospect. True reconciliation requires an unwavering commitment to justice, empathy, and sincere efforts to bridge divides created over years of neglect.
