Manipur Again in Turmoil

Manipur is on the boil again where ethnic tensions have resurfaced. After a short period of calm, Manipur is once again witnessing an increase in violence that threatens to go out of control. The latest wave of chaos began on November 7 with the gruesome killing of a woman from the Hmar community, who was set ablaze in her home in Zairawn village, Jiribam district. This news has reignited the ethnic tensions, simmering in the state for over 19 months.

A cycle of violence that isn't ending

From October 1 to November 18, almost 16 reported incidents of violence and disruption have left a series of killings, arson, and heavy exchanges of gunfire. The violence has been concentrated mainly in Jiribam and Meiti-dominated areas in the valley district, with Jiribam alone accounting for over 20 deaths between November 7 and November 18.

One of the deadliest days was November 11, when a militant group from the Hmar community launched an ambush near Jakuradhor and Borobekra police stations, bombarding Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) outposts. The following gunfight left ten militants dead. Nearby all of the houses and shops were set ablaze, and in between the fire, two civilians lost their lives.

In another frightening incident, six people from a family- including three women and three children were abducted by the attackers. Their bodies were found days later in neighbouring Assam along with the body of an eighteen-month-old infant. Since the beginning of the conflict, the victims from the Meitei community had been living in a relief shelter near Borobekra police station.

Naga Areas Caught in the Crossfire-

Those districts dominated by the Naga tribes have managed to maintain calm and peace during the ongoing conflict. However, these recent incidents signal that violence is spreading to these areas as well.

Previously, in early November, the conflict flared when two trucks heading to Noney and Tamenglong districts were set ablaze, reportedly by Kuki militants. This incident caused the calls and chants to boycott supplies to the Kukis in these districts.

On the 2nd of October, a violent clash between two villages in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district led to four people losing their lives and over 40 injuries, resulting in a mob looting the armory, and stealing weapons. Nevertheless, authorities later recovered about 80% of them in search operations.

Adding to the unrest, two Naga men returning after purchasing livestock were attacked and assaulted. They were also robbed of sixty thousand at gunpoint in Imphal on October 31, allegedly by cadres of Arambai Tenggol. This occurrence led to widespread outrage, with Naga groups releasing an ultimatum to the government, forcing arrests.

Protest and Threats

The increasing outrage recently has also triggered protests and shutdowns. On November 9, Naga organisations imposed a 24-hour shutdown in Senapati district, stopping vehicle movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2. The sudden shutdown was in response to reported harassment and extortion of civilians by armed groups.

In the interim, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), a pre-eminent Naga group, has warned the central government. It threatened to withdraw from the 1997 ceasefire agreement unless its demands for a separate flag and constitution for the Naga community were met.

Government response to the rising tensions

In the aftermath of the deteriorating situation, the government has deployed an additional 5,000 central armed forces personnel. However, the unrest has now spread to the doorsteps of political leaders, with civilians arsoning the residences of ministers and MLAs.

Manipur, a state with a rich history of ethnic communities, is now struggling with deeply rooted atrocities that show no sign of fading. The current unrest reflects the delicacy of the situation which is in dire need of peace.

There needs to be an urgent and immediate reconciliation between people. Without resolving the root cause of the conflict, Manipur is vulnerable to destruction if things keep escalating toward destruction. The state is at severe risk, as the conflict is affecting and jeopardising the lives and livelihoods of people of entire communities.

Sana Faiz is a student pursuing Bachelor’s in English from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by- Gunjit Verma

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members