In Manipur's Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, a series of gunfights between Kukis and Meiteis have resulted in the tragic loss of at least five lives over the past three days. The violence has left 20 others injured, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place. The casualties include a tribal song composer and a Village Defence Volunteer, adding a poignant layer to the unfolding situation.
The turmoil has brought about sorrow and tension, with two individuals losing their lives in Meitei-majority Bishnupur district, while three others met their unfortunate fate in the neighboring Kuki-Zo-dominated Churachandpur district on a recent Thursday. Among the deceased was L.S. Mangboi Lhungdim, a 42-year-old resident of Churachandpur, who had composed the moving song "I Gam Hilou Ham (Is this not our land?)," a powerful anthem that resonated as a call for tribal unity.
Against this backdrop of distress, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a collective representing the Kuki-Zo tribes, has declared an 'Emergency Shutdown' in the strife-ridden Churachandpur district. The move follows a series of attacks on Kuki-Zo-dominated areas within Manipur. During this emergency shutdown, essential services such as medical, police, water, electricity, and the press will continue to function, serving as a lifeline for the affected community, NDTV reported.
The escalation of violence has prompted heightened security efforts, with security forces being mobilized to the Naranseina Maning Leikai area, which has emerged as the focal point of the recent turmoil. Amidst these efforts, a search operation yielded arms, ammunition, explosives, and other materials in different districts. Additionally, over 1,600 individuals have been detained in connection with various violations, reflecting the authorities' attempts to maintain order.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh acknowledged the complexity of the situation, attributing challenges to the diversity of civil society organizations and differing voices. This has posed difficulties in formulating a comprehensive solution to the ongoing ethnic tensions that have plagued the state for almost four months. A significant factor behind the unrest was a "Tribal Solidarity March" organized in response to the majority Meitei community's call for Scheduled Tribe status. Manipur's demographic makeup, with Meiteis forming the majority in the Imphal valley and Nagas and Kukis constituting a substantial portion in the hill districts, underscores the intricate ethnic dynamics at play.
Since the eruption of ethnic violence on May 3, Manipur has witnessed over 160 fatalities and numerous injuries. The unrest has underscored the urgency of addressing the grievances and aspirations of various ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for a delicate and inclusive approach to restore harmony in the region.
