An open wound remains in the northeastern Indian state. Yesterday afternoon some houses were set on fire and the Kuki community, predominantly Christian, continues to denounce the incursions of Meitei extremist groups. There are also fears of greater involvement of the Nagas, who until now have been oblivious to the violence. The talks proposed by the Ministry of the Interior ended in nothing.
Imphal () – In the village of Zairon Hmar, Jiribam district, a woman was killed yesterday afternoon in new clashes in Manipur, the northeastern state of India where acts of violence based on in belonging to different ethnic groups. They burned more than ten houses, allegedly belonging to Meitei militants, according to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, which brings together several tribal groups.
“The exchange of gunfire continued for approximately an hour. During the attack, more than ten houses were burned. “A woman named Sangkim was burned to death when flames engulfed her house,” the statement said. An officer explained that “several people from the village managed to escape during the attack and took refuge in the nearby jungle.”
The ITLF also expressed concern over the recent occupation of Kangchup Panjang village in Kangpokpi district by heavily armed members of the KCP-PWG militant group, a Meitei military organisation. Their presence and infiltration in the Kuki areas has created tension and fear in the population (predominantly Christian) residing in the mountainous areas.
The ITLF continues its statement by condemning the Manipur government and the central government of India, both led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for their failure to take action against the Meitei armed militants occupying the Kuki-zo territories. “This uncontrolled militarization within our lands can only be seen as a tactic orchestrated by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, diverting attention from his role in systematic violence against the Kuki-zo people,” the leaders say. of the ITLF, highlight the need for the government to outlaw extremist groups like Arambai Tenggol (AT), and threaten that Kuki-zo communities will no longer remain passive bystanders while their lands and lives are threatened.
The violence in Manipur began in May 2023 and has had successive outbreaks since then. Lately there was also clashes with the Naga communitywhich until now had remained unrelated to the conflict between Kuki and Meitei, because the Naga live and trade with the two tribal groups. In late October some AT militants attacked and kidnapped two Naga traders, raising fears that the violence would spread to other indigenous groups.
According to official data, at least 226 people died and more than 60,000 remain displaced, but the central government has still not paid the compensation for the victims that it had promised, he explains. The Wire. The institution of a peace commission also failed. Home Minister Amit Shah had announced its creation also including the current Prime Minister Singh, whom many members opposed. In protest, representatives of various parties left the commission.
In mid-October the central government attempted to hold separate talks with representatives of the Kuki, Meitei and Naga communities, the first between Interior Ministry officials and local politicians since the violence began. Some sources they commented that “nothing substantial was discussed” and that “until there are guarantees that the violence has stopped, no further action can be taken.” Subsequently, members of the local Legislative Assembly of the Kuki ethnic group requested ua separate administration for their community as a precondition for peace talks.
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