The Indian state of Manipur is facing a grave crisis of ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities. The conflict over land and influence has escalated to the point where many consider it akin to a state of civil war. This article delves into the roots of the violence, the recent shocking incident of violence against women, the central government’s response, and the political dynamics in Manipur.
Location and Demographics of Manipur:
Manipur is a hilly northeastern state in India, situated east of Bangladesh and sharing a border with Myanmar. It is home to approximately 3.3 million people, with the majority being Meiteis (around 50%), while the Kukis and Nagas form the predominant minority tribes, constituting around 43% of the population.
The Ongoing Violence:
The conflict in Manipur has led to a devastating toll, with at least 130 people killed and 400 wounded since the violence erupted in May. Additionally, more than 60,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes as authorities, including the army, paramilitary forces, and police, struggle to contain the escalating violence. The situation has resulted in the looting of police armouries, destruction of places of worship, and numerous villages being razed.
Violence against Women:
One of the most distressing aspects of the ongoing violence is the use of sexual assault as a tool of warfare. A recent incident, captured on video, showed two Kuki women being paraded naked by Meitei men after their village was destroyed. Such heinous acts exacerbate tensions and trigger a cycle of revenge attacks, making it even more challenging to find a resolution to the conflict.
Reasons behind the Targeting of Women:
The violence against women is believed to be a result of a vicious cycle of revenge attacks initiated by rumors of a Meitei woman’s alleged rape by Kuki militiamen. In response to these rumors, Meitei mobs reportedly retaliated by targeting Kuki tribal women, escalating the conflict further.
Government Response and Public Outrage:
The central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been criticized for its delayed response to the situation in Manipur. Following the emergence of the disturbing video, PM Modi finally addressed the nation, condemning the incident and vowing to bring those responsible to justice. The government has deployed 40,000 troops, paramilitary forces, and police to the region to quell the violence. However, the situation remains tense, and many tribal leaders have called for the imposition of direct rule.
Political Dynamics
Manipur is governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the same party in power at the national level. The state government, led by N Biren Singh, a Meitei, has faced criticism from the Kuki community, who believe that Singh’s war on poppy cultivation, targeting mainly Kuki areas, was an attempt to suppress their community. The distribution of political power also raises concerns, as the Meitei community, comprising 53% of the population, holds 40 of the 60 seats in the regional parliament.
The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur has caused immense suffering and displacement for its residents. The recent incident of violence against women has added a distressing dimension to the conflict. The central government’s response, though belated, reflects the severity of the situation. However, achieving lasting peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, bridging ethnic divides, and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities in Manipur.
