There's a lot being spoken or anticipated about Manipur ever since the video of two Kuki-Zomi community women stripped and paraded naked in the state went viral. It painted a grim picture of the state, marred by the deadly ethnic clashes that have gripped it for decades. And, the genesis of the current episode only shrouded the situation in ambiguity, with divergent narratives highlighting the socio-political intricacies of the conflict.
Now, amid the tumultuous tensions in the state, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, speaking to PTI on Thursday, elaborated on the state government's efforts to bring peace. He also emphasized the origins of the clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei ethnic groups since May 2023, which have left 226 dead, according to government data.
Focusing on the genesis of the ethnic crisis, the Chief Minister said the conflict goes back to his first term as Chief Minister from 2017 to 2022, when he cracked down on the illegal drug trade and migration from neighboring Myanmar, whose border is only about 100 kilometers from Imphal.
He said, those affected by this move later conspired to foment tension between the two ethnic groups, resulting in Kuki-Meitei clashes. However, now, he said, the state government is fully committed to restore peace in the state in six months with the Centre's help.
In an interview with PTI, Singh also revealed for the first time an emissary has been appointed to hold talks with Kuki-zo and Meitei leaders. (It is pertinent to note that while Kukis are mostly hill-dwelling Christian tribes, Meiteis are Hindus living in the plains and valleys. Kuki tribes are also found in Myanmar.)
Illegal migration changing demographics of state
Singh, during the interview with the media agency, also emphasized the issue of illegal migration that has affected the state. To illustrate the simmering situation, he presented satellite images to show that areas largely uninhabited in 2001 were teeming with population 15 years later. He said the pictures were evidence of illegal settlements, which were changing the demographics of the state.
Singh also emphasized during the interview that the Manipur High Court's 2003 decision recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Meiteis further fueled anger among Kukis, who felt their rights were being diluted. "By then, agitations by Kuki student groups had begun, and soon it turned into all-out violence. The High Court itself withdrew the paragraph on ST status from its order in February this year," he added.
'I am a CM for all'
Furthermore, Singh repeatedly emphasized that he does not want to identify himself as a Meitei when he is sitting in the official chair. "I am a CM for all." Singh also made it clear that he will not tolerate pro-Meitei militant outfits, such as Arambai Tengoll, which have openly advocated violence against Kukis.
“I told them you will not do any anti-national or communal act. You have to support the government. There should be no communal word from you." he said.
"I gave a clear warning, ‘you will not say anything.’ Not one word has come from their mouth in 5 months. I will not let them be extremist or anti-national,” he added.
