Manipur Violence

How the violence began https://scroll.in/article/1050361/armed-gangs-and-a-partisan-state-how-manipur-slipped-into-civil-war 

By all accounts, the immediate trigger for the violence that has convulsed Manipur for weeks now was an act of arson in the hill district of Churachandpur on May 3: a purported attempt to burn the Anglo-Kuki war centenary gate that commemorates the Kuki rebellion against British colonists in 1917-’19.

The damage to the structure was minimal but given its symbolic value, thousands of Kukis descended at the spot. The mobilisation was instant for good reason. Thousands of tribal people had already congregated at a place only a few kilometres away for a separate protest against an order of the Manipur High Court directing the state government to consider granting the Meitei community Scheduled Tribe status. Tribal groups feared it would further entrench the dominance of Meiteis in the state.

Things escalated soon. In no time, mobs took over large parts of the state: Kukis in the hill districts dominated by the community, and Meiteis in the Imphal valley. Both sides insist that they acted only in retaliation and did not initiate violence.

by Arunabh Saikia

06/06/2023

 A month into the ethnic violence in Manipur and growing distrust between Meitei and Kuki communities, vigilante groups have reportedly become more active in the state.

https://thewire.in/rights/manipur-rise-in-vigilante-groups-due-to-ethnic-conflict-petition-in-sc-against-internet-shutdown  

According to Economic Times, of the groups that has gained momentum is Meira Paibi (Female Torchbearers) in the Manipur valley. In the past, this group has organised agitations crimes against women, AFSPA and human rights violations.

Nearly 100 people have lost their lives in the violence that began on May 3. Tensions escalated in the state after differences over the majority Meitei community’s demands for ST status. The hill tribes believe this will impinge on their rights and access to opportunities.

05/06/2023

As the violence in Manipur between Kuki and Meitei communities continues for nearly a month, The Wire spoke to Naga elder statesman Niketu Iralu about the situation in the state and his perception of the clash as an independent, outside observer. In an interview with Karan Thapar, published on June 1, Iralu said that the failure of the Indian paramilitary forces to restore order in Nagaland seems “deliberate”. https://thewire.in/rights/full-text-niketu-iralu-karan-thapar-manipur-violence 

Iralu, who is the nephew of the legendary leader A.Z. Phizo, also said that the home minister’s delay in coming to Manipur was a cause of great suspicion and concern. He added that the targeting of some 200 churches, including Meitei churches, raises suspicions that the RSS and other Hindutva forces are deliberately giving a religious colour to the troubles in Manipur.

by Karan Thapar

02/06/2023