By Ajay Roy
In the serene landscapes of
Manipur, India's northeastern state, a dark cloud hangs low, casting shadows on
the lives of its diverse inhabitants. The state, situated on the border with
Myanmar, is currently facing a severe crisis. Ethno-communal violence,
primarily between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the largely Christian Kuki
ethnic communities, has torn apart the fabric of this once-peaceful region.
Historical Context:
To understand the gravity of the
present situation, it is imperative to delve into Manipur's historical
tapestry. The state, home to the Meitei and Kuki tribes, has witnessed a legacy
of neglect and exploitation by successive Indian governments, who viewed the
region solely through the lens of its abundant natural resources. This
deliberate impoverishment of the tribal areas laid the foundation for the
current strife.
Causes of the Conflict:
The recent outbreak of violence
finds its roots in the controversial attempt to classify the Meitei as
Scheduled Tribes, a move that ignited long-smouldering tensions. This
reservation in government jobs and education sets off more competition for
limited resources. Tragically, this spark was fanned into flames by extremist
elements using hateful rhetoric, further deepening the divide.
However, according to some
analysts, the core cause of this violence in Manipur is the competition to grab
natural resources. The targeted removal of Kukis serves as a prelude for corporations
keen on acquiring land for palm oil cultivation.
Impact of the Conflict:
The toll of this conflict is
harrowing. Over 175 lives have been lost, with 1,108 wounded.[1] Entire
villages lie in ruins, and 50,000 people have been displaced.[2] The horrors
inflicted upon the Kuki women, including gang rapes and public beatings, are
abominable. This violence is not only attacks on individuals but also on the
collective identity of a community.
The civilised world cannot afford
to remain silent spectators to this unfolding tragedy. The United Nations
experts have raised their voices in alarm, condemning the human rights
violations and abuses. They spotlight the disturbing misuse of counterterrorism
measures to justify heinous acts against ethnic and religious minorities. The
world must bear witness to this injustice.
As some political analysts also
observe, the Hindu nationalist BJP state government as well as the BJP central
government are both implicated and seem to perceive it as politically
advantageous to permit the ongoing assaults on the predominantly Christian
minority Kukis.
Meanwhile, the UN experts
highlight that "We are appalled by the reports and images of gender-based
violence targeting hundreds of women and girls of all ages, and predominantly
of the Kuki ethnic minority." [3]
Solution and Future Outlook:
The road to healing Manipur's
wounds is long and arduous but not insurmountable. The first step lies in a
genuine, unbiased investigation into the violence, holding all perpetrators
accountable, regardless of their political affiliations. The government must
expedite relief efforts for the affected and prioritise rehabilitating those
who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Additionally, measures must be taken
to bridge the economic disparities exacerbating this conflict.
The primary necessity lies in a
political solution, with many believing that the initial move towards this is
the ousting of the chief minister. An alternative pro-people politics is
urgently required that respects each community's identity while uniting them to
protect their land from corporate interests. However, justice for the wronged
parties is imperative for any sustainable solution.
In Manipur, the echoes of history
reverberate through the hills and valleys, reminding us that true peace is
not just the absence of conflict but also the presence of justice. As
civilised people, we are responsible for standing in solidarity with the people
of Manipur, advocating for their rights, and working towards a future where
diversity is celebrated, not weaponised. Let us not allow this tragedy to fade
into oblivion; let us be the voice that heralds change.
12.10.2023
Notes:
[1] Vijaita Singh, "Video of man's body being burnt
surfaces in Manipur", October 08, 2023, The Hindu
[2] "Manipur: Internet ban extended by another five
days", Sobhapati Samom, October 11, 2023, Hindustan Times
[3] "India: UN experts alarmed by continuing abuses in
Manipur", 04 September 2023, United Nations Human Rights
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/09/india-un-experts-alarmed-continuing-abuses-manipur
