On March 10, a Kuki-Zo organisation has urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) to recognise the discrimination faced by their community in Manipur, following a violent crackdown on protesters in Kangpokpi on Saturday (March 8). The clashes erupted in response to the Union’s decision to restore free movement in the state by resuming bus services without first addressing the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence left one protester dead and over 40 others injured.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) released a statement on Saturday night, calling on UNHCHR chief Volker Turk to take note of the “gross violation of human rights” against the minority Kuki-Zo people, who they claim are being targeted based on their ethnicity and religion. Their appeal follows Turk’s March 3 address at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, where he expressed concern over shrinking civic space in India, including the use of restrictive laws against journalists and human rights defenders. On Manipur, he urged greater efforts to curb violence and displacement through dialogue, peace-building, and a human rights-centric approach.

The union had swiftly dismissed Turk’s remarks as “unfounded and baseless.” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Arindam Bagchi, responded by urging a “better understanding of India and our civilisational ethos of diversity and openness.”

In protest against the government’s decision to enforce free movement, the Kuki-Zo Council called for an indefinite shutdown across Kuki-Zo-dominated districts on Sunday. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and other Kuki-Zo organisations backed the shutdown, condemning what they saw as the Union’s unilateral move that disregarded the risks of further violence.

The unrest escalated when the Manipur State Transport, acting on the Union’s directive, resumed bus services on March 8, deploying two state-run buses—one on the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route and another on the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route—under the protection of Central Armed Police Forces. Opposing the move, Kuki-Zo demonstrators set up barricades on a national highway using boulders and burning tyres. When a bus entered Kangpokpi, protesters allegedly attempted to block its movement by pelting stones, leading to a confrontation. Security forces responded with force, resulting in clashes that left one person dead and dozens injured.

The ITLF identified the deceased as Lalgouthang Singsit and paid tribute to him, calling his death a “sacrifice” for the Kuki-Zo cause. “We extend our deepest respects to Mr. Lalgouthang Singsit, who gave his life, and to everyone who suffered injuries,” the organisation said in a statement, as per multiple media organisations. “We honour all who stood up for our people.”

With tensions high and the Kuki-Zo community determined to resist what they see as an imposed government policy, Manipur remains on edge. The demand for a political resolution before restoring free movement continues to be at the Union of the community’s resistance, even as authorities push ahead with their plans.

Timeline of events in Manipur

• March 1: Home Minister Amit Shah directs authorities to ensure “free movement” on all roads in Manipur from March 8.
• March 4: Kuki organisations reject Shah’s directive, stating they will not allow the movement of Meiteis through their areas until their demand for a “separate administration” is met.
• March 6: Security forces launch an operation to clear “obstructions” along NH-2 in Kuki-dominated areas, dismantling bunkers set up by Kuki “village volunteers.”
• March 8: Clashes erupt as Kuki protesters block buses and resist the enforcement of “free movement.” Security forces crack down, resulting in the death of one protester and injuries to 43 others.
• March 9: In response to the violence, an indefinite shutdown is imposed across Kuki-Zo-dominated districts.

March 1: Trigger of the protest

The trigger of these protests, which began on March 8 and are still continuing, was a high-level security review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 1 in New Delhi, where the government decided to implement free movement across all roads in Manipur, including major national highways like Dimapur-Imphal-Moreh and Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam, from March 8. To facilitate this, the Manipur government, under heavy security, launched Manipur State Transport (MST) bus and helicopter services from the same date.

Commenting on the situation, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi stated that while Manipur’s people welcomed the Union’s initiative for free movement, the timing of its implementation was flawed. He criticised the government for failing to consult both communities before enforcing the directive and urged a step-by-step approach instead. Ibobi also called on the Kuki community to reconsider the shutdown, arguing that it was not a viable solution.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam defended the Union’s decision, stating that the initiative was not a failure but rather a matter of timing. He emphasised that the move represented progress toward restoring peace in Manipur and asserted that blocking highways violated Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

In addition to this, Home Minister Amit Shah had also firmly stated that the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate administration under Union Territory status in tribal-majority districts of Manipur is non-negotiable. During a recent security review meeting, Shah instructed officials to reject this demand outright. He also directed strict action against armed members of groups that had signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Union if they were seen carrying weapons in public.

Moreover, Shah ordered the police to closely monitor the movement of individuals between Manipur and Myanmar to prevent overstays beyond the one-week limit set by the Inner Line Permit (ILP). He also directed state authorities to restore all damaged places of worship—including temples, churches, and mosques—as part of efforts to rebuild trust and maintain communal harmony in the violence-stricken state.

Following these directives, Governor A.K. Bhalla held a follow-up meeting with Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, security adviser Kuldiep Singh, and paramilitary officials. The Governor reiterated the Home Minister’s instructions and called for immediate implementation.

March 1: Kukis demand separate administration before free movement

Kuki organisations have reiterated their demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature, insisting that a resolution must be reached before allowing Meiteis to move through Kuki-dominated areas.

On Saturday, March 1, the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi and NCR staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where scores of Kuki-Zo tribe members gathered, declaring that they could not return to Manipur until the crisis in the state was resolved. Protesters carried placards denouncing former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, calling his resignation a mere “smokescreen” and holding him responsible for the current turmoil in Manipur.

In a statement issued at the protest site, the demonstrators emphasised that the Kuki-Zo community has long endured historical injustices and demanded an urgent political solution. The statement, copies of which were to be sent to the Prime Minister and Home Minister as a charter of demands, underscored that despite being an integral part of the Indian Union, the Kuki-Zo people have faced systemic marginalisation and exclusion from governance in Manipur.

“The present administrative machinery in Manipur has utterly failed to protect our lives and address our grievances, aspirations, and rights,” the statement asserted, arguing that a separate administration is the only viable path for the emancipation of the Kuki-Zo people.

Key demands raised at the demonstration included:

• Creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
• Formation of a committee to prepare a roadmap for the proposed separate administration.
• Protection of Kuki-Zo rights and interests, including land rights, cultural heritage, and linguistic identity.

The protesters maintained that without these assurances, they would remain displaced and unable to return to their homeland.

Kuki Inpi rejects free movement initiative, demands political resolution

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has reaffirmed its firm opposition to the Government’s “free movement” initiative, declaring that until a satisfactory political resolution is reached, the Kuki-Zo community must remain resolute against any government action that threatens their rights and interests. In a statement issued today, KIM emphasised that the initiative “poses a serious threat to the delicate balance and order that currently exists.”

The implementation of the policy was met with fierce resistance on March 8, particularly in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and other Kuki-Zo-dominated areas. Protesters blocked roads with boulders and debris, while clashes with security forces escalated as stones were hurled at personnel attempting to enforce the directive. The confrontation resulted in the death of Lalgouthang Singsit and left many others, including women, injured.

KIM condemned the government’s approach, stating that allowing Meiteis unrestricted access to Kuki-Zo areas would only exacerbate tensions. “Until a comprehensive political solution is reached—one that ensures lasting peace and respects the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community—the Kuki Inpi cannot accept this policy, which appears to be designed for temporary peace rather than a genuine resolution,” the statement read.

KIM further urged the Union to adopt a more proactive and justice-driven approach to resolving the crisis, addressing the root causes of the conflict and acknowledging the unique grievances of the Kuki-Zo people, who have suffered immensely due to the ongoing ethnic violence.

“As we mourn the loss of Lalgouthang Singsit, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. The Kuki-Zo community must stand united and unwavering against any governmental measures that undermine their rights and dignity,” KIM asserted.

March 8: Violent clashes in Manipur over free movement of vehicles

On Saturday, tensions flared in Manipur as security forces clashed with protesters attempting to block the passage of a bus from the Meitei-majority valley through Kangpokpi. The confrontation resulted in the death of one protester and injuries to several others. This violence followed a directive from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, mandating the free movement of vehicles on all highways in the state. In line with this order, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh flagged off two buses from Imphal Airport to Churachandpur and Senapati, escorted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). However, officials reported that the Senapati-bound bus remains stranded in Kangpokpi.

Protests erupted in the Gamgiphai area of Kangpokpi when demonstrators, primarily from the Kuki-Zo community, blocked National Highway-2 (NH-2) by cutting down trees and throwing stones. Security forces intervened, leading to violent clashes in which one Kuki protester was killed and 43 others, including security personnel, sustained injuries. Manipur Police confirmed that among the injured were 27 security personnel, with two in critical condition. This marks the first fatality since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, 2025. Despite the unrest, authorities stated that buses travelling along the Imphal-Bishnupur-Churachandpur route faced no significant disruptions.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a key organisation representing the Kuki-Zo community, strongly condemned the security forces’ actions in Kangpokpi. In a statement, the ITLF criticised the government’s decision to enforce free movement through Kuki-Zo areas without prior political resolution, arguing that it provoked resistance. The forum endorsed an indefinite shutdown called by the Kuki-Zo Council, urging widespread adherence to the protest. Another Kuki-Zo organisation, KOHUR, alleged that security personnel used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, some of whom were reportedly singing the Indian national anthem while holding the national flag.

Tensions have been escalating since the government’s announcement on March 1, during a security review meeting chaired by Amit Shah, to ensure unrestricted movement on highways. Kuki-Zo organisations have opposed this move, demanding Union Territory status for their areas before allowing free movement between the hills and the valley. On Saturday, protesters escalated their demonstrations by allegedly pelting stones, using catapults, and blocking the roads with boulders, felled trees, and burning tyres. Clashes intensified when shots were reportedly fired from within the protesting crowd, prompting security forces to retaliate. In the ensuing violence, 16 protesters were injured, and two security vehicles were set on fire.

As per multiple media reports, the unrest also impacted a peace march by the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a Meitei organisation, which was halted by security forces at Sekmai before reaching Kangpokpi. Meanwhile, a Manipur State Transport bus en route to Senapati was unable to proceed past Keithelmanbi, approximately 5 km from Kangpokpi district headquarters, due to roadblocks and renewed clashes. As the situation escalated, protesters torched a Border Security Force (BSF) vehicle, prompting further retaliation from security personnel.

In response to the unrest, a large deployment of security forces, including both Union and state personnel, has been stationed in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, and Jiribam districts. Senior officials are closely monitoring the situation, though authorities reported no major incidents on Sunday. However, the indefinite shutdown called by Kuki-Zo groups has severely impacted daily life in Kangpokpi and partially affected other Kuki-Zo-dominated districts. Activists and volunteers have erected blockades on key highways, while businesses and markets remain closed in protest against the government’s decision.

The situation remains volatile as tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continue to fuel unrest in the region.

March 8: Crackdown on Kuki-Zo women protesters sparks outrage

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Sadar Hills, has strongly condemned the alleged security forces’ crackdown on “unarmed Kuki-Zo women” protesting in Kangpokpi District on International Women’s Day.

According to the organisation, security personnel forcibly dispersed demonstrators at Gamgiphai and Keithelmanbi Military Colony, resorting to lathi charges and firing rubber bullets against protesters opposing the government’s decision to reopen roads in the conflict-ridden region. The violence left over 70 women injured, with 31 sustaining serious wounds. The situation escalated further when 30-year-old protester Lalgouthang Singsit tragically lost his life during the clash.

KWOHR asserted that the protest was a response to the ongoing persecution of the Kuki-Zo community, citing widespread incidents of rape, torture, and violence over the past 22 months. The demonstrators also sought to challenge what they perceive as a unilateral decision by Governor Ajay Bhalla and Home Minister Amit Shah to forcibly open roads without addressing the security concerns of the Kuki-Zo people.

The organisation accused security forces of disproportionately targeting Kuki-Zo civilians while overlooking their suffering. It highlighted the community’s isolation from essential services—including hospitals, airports, and educational institutions—since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023.

“Is this the peace we are expected to embrace under President’s Rule?” KWOHR questioned, criticising the government’s approach to restoring normalcy. The organisation further challenged the authorities to ensure true democratic dialogue by engaging all stakeholders, including the Kuki-Zo community, rather than consulting only Meitei organisations.

Raising concerns over the government’s push for free movement, KWOHR questioned whether it genuinely served all communities or was designed to benefit valley residents at the expense of the hill population. “Is free movement meant only for the Meiteis while the Kuki-Zo people remain cut off from vital resources?” the organisation asked.

KWOHR has demanded accountability for the excessive use of force, calling for an immediate investigation into the actions of security personnel responsible for the fatal shooting and the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

March 9: Kuki-Zo groups intensify protests amid indefinite shutdown in Manipur

Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur remained tense on Sunday as agitators continued to enforce an indefinite shutdown in protest against the Union’s directive to restore free movement on highways. The shutdown, called by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), brought normal life to a standstill across Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl districts, with major roads blocked and businesses shuttered.

In Kangpokpi district, reports emerged of security forces clashing with Kuki-Zo protesters attempting to block roads at several locations. While it remains unclear whether there were further injuries, tensions ran high as demonstrators also enforced shutdowns in other Kuki-dominated regions. PTI reported that in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal, protesters set tyres ablaze and erected boulders to obstruct roads, prompting security personnel to intervene and clear the blockades. Few vehicles were seen plying the roads, and agitators urged residents to stay indoors.

Amid mounting anger, Kuki-Zo groups are expected to intensify their demonstrations, demanding the immediate removal of Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police Manoj Prabhakar. At Kangpokpi District Hospital, Kuki-Zo women gathered to mourn the death of the young protester, whose body remains in the morgue. Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), condemned the alleged brutality of security forces and urged the Governor of Manipur to dismiss the SP.

The indefinite shutdown, which began at midnight on Saturday, has effectively halted the government’s efforts to restore free movement across the state. As tensions continue to rise, the impasse between the Kuki-Zo community and the Union underscores the urgent need for a political resolution to address the grievances of the tribal groups and restore lasting peace in Manipur.

Related:

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Divided & strife-torn Manipur: intensified violence, abdication by state & union governments, demands of accountability from BJP MLAs

Fresh violence grips Manipur: Clashes in Jiribam and widespread protests after rape and brutal killings

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As per the live reporting of LiveLaw, a vacation bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan took note of the said conduct of the Manipur government, and told the counsel of the state that they do not trust the state of Manipur.

“Sorry counsel, we do not trust the State (of Manipur). We do not. The accused was not taken to hospital because he is from the Kuki community? So sad. We direct him to be examined now. If the medical report reveals something serious, we will take you to task! Remember that,” the Court warned.

As per the report, the accused was apparently suffering from piles and tuberculosis. It had also been noted by the court had the undertrial had previously also complained to jail officials about extreme backache. Further, on November 22, 2023, the jail medical officer had found tenderness in the lower lumbar spine of undertrial and recommended an X-Ray. Since the facility was not available in the jail, the undertrial was required to be taken to the hospital for the same. Based on the bail order passed by the High Court, the Supreme Court bench found that the accused was not taken out for medical examination at a hospital “since he was from Kuki community and that shifting him to hospital will be hazardous taking into account law and order situation.”

Another crucial aspect that was noted by the Supreme Court was that the trial on the case against the accused was yet to commence. Taking serious view of the same, the Court passed the following order in which the Bench directed the State to immediately make necessary arrangements to take the accused to Gauhati Medical College in Assam and get the accused examined there.

“We direct the jail superintendent as well as responsible authority of State of Manipur to make necessary arrangements for his transportation to Gauhati Medical College and get him examined therein. The medical exam shall be as regards piles, TB, tonsillitis, abdominal pain as well as problems in lower lumbar spine.”

It further directed the officials concerned to obtain a detailed medical report in this regard and place same before it on or before the Supreme Court on July 15. Notably, the Supreme Court directed for all expenses of the medical examination to be borne by the

“All expenses to be borne by the State,” the Court said.

Background of Manipur conflict:

The conflict started in May, 2023, when violence erupted after Kuki-Zo communities protested against the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. The Meiteis had also been demanding for a National Registry of Citizens in the state. The two ethnic groups form the majority of the population of the state, with Meiteis constituting 51 % of the population. Meiteis are noted to have a larger share in the state’s legislative assembly and are considered to wield more political influence in the state, according to The Wire. Interestingly, January witnessed the state government forming an all-tribe panel to decide the fate of the ST status for the Kuki population.

Today the state seems to have transformed into a militarised zone, from what it seems and reportedly stands divided. There are ethnically divided area-wise checkpoints by the police and also with militants standing guard and barring entry, restricting entry from the hill to the valley areas.

Related:

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Manipur: a year on, thousands of lives disrupted but the conflict continues

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With a beheaded body of a Meitei farmer being found on June 6, the state is once again under the grip of violence, 70 houses, police outposts and a forest office burned, at least 2000 displaced; all fingers point to negligence of the state and union governments. Most unexpected and candid was an admission, by CM Biren Singh in an interview to Indian Express on June 9 –five days after the Lok Sabha poll results that brought two Congress candidates to victory in the state — in which he said that the “Centre and state are not meeting public expectations.” Accepting responsibility for that defeat — Congress won both seats — he said, in an interview to The Indian Express, that it was time for him to work with “even more conviction.”

The past fortnight in Manipur

For the past week ten days, Manipur has once again been in the headlines, with more bouts of violence being reported from the state. Incidents of arson, displacement, violence and targeting of Kuki-Zo groups have once again started emerging from the state. The violence re-emerged after a Meitei farmer’s beheaded body was found on June 6 in Jiribam district of the state. While the police and authorities repeatedly emphasised that the miscreants behind the killing remained unknown, three abandoned villages belonging to Kuki community were burnt down. As situation started escalating, curfew was imposed. The state then, once again, saw houses being burnt down and people facing internal displacement. As per a report of The Indian Express, the number of those displaced from violence hit Jiri to the neighbouring Cachar district in Assam is around 2000 people, and the number is continuously growing. As per Kaushik Rai, an MLA from Assam’s Lakhipur constituency, while most of those who are being displaced people are from the Kukis and Hmars community, there are also Meiteis in the group.

Only a day before, on June 10, a group of suspected militants attacked the advance convoy of Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh. During the said attack, which took place in Kangpokpi district, one security personnel has also sustained injuries, as per the report of Economic Times. It is to be noted that the said convoy was on its way to Jiribam district following a recent round of violence that resulted in the death of one person. The attack took place near Kotlen village on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway, with militants firing at the security forces.

It is essential to highlight here that Manipur has been seeing intermittent bouts of violence and sporadic firing since the month of April 2024. The ethnic clash in the state had started in May of 2023 and peace is yet to be established there. At least 225 people have died and nearly 50,000 have been displaced, living in relief camps, because of the ethnic clashes between the two groups, which started on May 3, 2023.

Even during the polling for the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, incidents of firing, intimidation, destruction of EVMs at some polling stations and allegations of booth capturing were reported from Manipur on the scheduled day of the first round of poll on April 19. Pursuant to this, re-polling at 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency had been ordered by the Election Commission of India.

Details of the same can be accessed here.

On June 4, the results of the Lok Sabha elections depicted how the people of Manipur voted out the BJP and its ally, the Naga People’s Front, from the Inner and Outer Manipur constituencies respectively. Both the seats have been won comfortably by Congress candidates. In the inner Manipur constituency seat, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a professor of JNU, defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party’s T Basanta Kumar Singh, who is also the state education minister in the BJP-led Biren Singh government. Additionally, the Outer Manipur reserved seat had been won by Congress’s Alfred Kanngam Arthur, after he defeated his rival from the Naga People’s Front, a BJP ally. 

Details of the violence in Jiribam: June 6

On June 6, only two days after the declaration of election results, a 59-year-old man named S Saratkumar was found beheaded, alleged to have been killed by unknown militants. The incident occurred around 5 pm when Saratkumar was said to be returning from his son’s farm located at Leishabithol. According to media reports, the state police had stated that Saratkumar was allegedly detained by unknown miscreants near Khasia Punji on his way home. His family members immediately reported the incident to Jiribam district police, prompting a joint search operation in the area. During the search, Saratkumar’s beheaded body was found near Mulargoan, about 12 kilometers north of Jiribam police station. The motive behind the killing and the identity of the assailants remain unknown. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

While the police has not been able to ascertain the identity of the miscreants, soon after the incident the rumour that the miscreants behind this beheading were Kuki militants had gain fired. As per a report of the Telegraph, Soibam Romola, the deceased’s wife, had also stated that she and her son encountered suspicious unknown individuals, believed to be from the Kuki community, while returning from the farm ahead of her husband. Towards the evening on the same day, locals had gathered around the Jiribam police station and started demanding that they be allowed to arm themselves for their own protection. The Jiribam District Magistrate imposed a district-wide curfew immediately.

Trouble since the killing incident: Since June 6

As per multiple media reports, on June 6 itself, around 9pm, an irate mob set fire to abandoned houses belonging to the Kuki community in the nearby area. Three Kuki villages located near Jiribam district of Manipur were burnt. To prevent from further unwanted incidents, the administration of Jiribam and Tamenglong districts imposed prohibitory orders in the areas adjoining the two districts.

On the same evening, Kuki civil bodies in their press statement condemned the act and urged the authority concerned to book the culprits involved in the incident. Certain community civil bodies belonging also alleged that Meiteis had once again unleashed terror upon Jiribam during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, shattering the fragile semblance of normalcy in the state since the past few weeks. As per a report of Hindustan Times, Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC), Pherzawl and Jiribam district had claimed that the burning of houses in the Lamdai Khunou, Jiribam district by an angry mob is a direct response to the burning of Hmar-Kuki-Zomi tribal houses in and around Jiribam town by Meiteis. It stated that to prevent further escalation of the current violence and for the safety of the tribals, a total shutdown has been imposed in all areas under the jurisdiction of ITAC. In case of emergency, passes will be issued by ITAC and volunteers on duty.

Jiribam has a diverse ethnic composition comprising Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis and non-Manipuris. It is also essential to note that the district of Jiribam had relatively stayed unaffected during the past one year.

On June 7, tensions remained high in Jiribam district after suspected militants torched two police outposts, a forest office and at least 70 houses, prompting the authorities to transfer the superintendent of police. The villages that were attacked by the militants were Lamtai Khunou, Dibong Khunou, Nunkhal and Begra villages.

Notably, police outposts of Jiri Mukh and Choto Bekra and the Goakhal forest beat office were set on fire. As per a statement of the officials, to gain a control over the situation, a contingent of more than 70 state police commandos was airlifted from Imphal to Jiribam to assist security personnel in their operations against militants. As per a report of the Hindustan Times, Jiribam SP A Ghanashyam Sharma’s transfer order was issued hours after police outposts were burnt. Reportedly, M Pradip Singh, who was serving as the additional director of the the Manipur Police Training College, has then charge as the senior superintendent of police of Jiribam district.

Violence resultant displacement:

Consequential displacements have also taken place, with about 2000 people have taken shelter in various parts of Lakhipur in Cachar district of Assam, entering the state by crossing the Jiri river over the last four days. Lakhipur MLA Kaushik Rai told PTI that affected people have started with internal displacement in search of safety. The local MLA also provided that people are taking shelter in villages at Jirighat and Lakhipur, though no government relief camp has been opened for them. Rai has also provided that the number of those being displaced is continuing to grow, as per the Indian Express. According to him, while most of these people are Kukis and Hmars — both part of the large Zo tribe — there are also Meiteis in the group.

“The people who have come from Manipur are being allowed to stay here safely. The local administration is taking all steps to ensure no spread of any violence here,” Lakhipur MLA Rai stated.

In addition to this, after the torching of the houses and property, more than 230 Meitei people, mostly women and children, were evacuated from peripheral areas of Jiribam, and moved to a newly set up relief camp at a multi-sports complex in the district. As per a report of The Hindu, survivors from the latest round of attacks on Meitei and Kuki-Zo villages provided that during the current violence, some of them had to flee their homes for the second time since the conflict began on May 3 last year. 

Leaders speak on the violence:

The newly election Congress MP, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, issued his statement after the incident of violence emerged, urging the state government to protect the lives and properties of the people of Jiribam district as well as those living nearby.

“I have talked to district officials of Jiribam. Those in the town are being provided security, while those in peripheral areas are not being provided security,” Akoijam had stated.

Akoijam also said the violence in Jiribam was created by those who wanted to remain in crisis in Manipur instead of bringing back peace, as per Hindustan Times.

He said, “People should not be shifted out as it is unconstitutional, instead, they should be provided with adequate securities for their protection as it could create division.”

In addition to this, Supriya Sule, who retained her Lok Sabha seat from Baramati, Maharashtra, condemned the violence taking place in Manipur, raising questions against the inaction of the Union as well as state government, both of which are led by the BJP party.

“We have been questioning the government over the Manipur issue for months. A lot of discussions took place in the Parliament over the Manipur situation. Manipur is an integral part of the country. The people, women, children there are Indians. In Manipur, the convoy of the Chief Minister was also attacked. It shows that somewhere something is going wrong. A word is not spoken about Manipur, though we sought a discussion on the issue. Leaders from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc travelled to the state, but we were stopped there. Manipur is an integral part of India, and why is it being meted out such treatment?” she said, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has alleged that the Jiribam incident occurred due to negligence of central government.

It is essential to note that on June 9, in reaction to losing both the Lok Sabha seats in Manipur, CM Singh had acknowledged that both the state and union government had been unable to meet the expectations of the people in Manipur. Notably, this reflection of the CM had come after more than one year of the state being under the grip of violence. With this, CM Singh had accepted responsibility for BJP’s defeat in the state in an interview to The Indian Express by stating that it was time for him to work with “even more conviction.” CM singh had also accepted that Manipuris in the valley and the hills are upset with the governments at the state and the Centre for not meeting “public expectations” on law and order.

Details of the attack on CM’s advance convoy: June 10

The advance convoy was on its way to violence-hit Jiribam district when it came under attack around 10.30 am near Kotlen village along a stretch of National Highway-53, a report of the Telegraph provided. Multiple gunshots were fired at the vehicles of the security forces, who retaliated. As per multiple media reports, one security personnel was injured in an attack on the CM’s advance convoy. The security personnel had sustained injuries to his shoulder and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Imphal for treatment. Notably, additional state and central forces, including Assam Rifles and CRPF, have launched a combing operation to apprehend the attackers. Arrests are yet to be made.

After the attack on the convoy, CM Singh had arrived in Imphal from New Delhi, wherein he had gone to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi, in the afternoon of June 10 and visited the injured security personnel, Moirangthem Ajesh at the hospital.

CM Singh also addressed the media and called the attack on his convoy to be a direct attack on the people of Manipur. As per a report of the Telegraph, Singh said “A befitting action will be taken soon. It is very unfortunate and highly condemnable. It’s an attack on the chief minister, which means a direct attack on the people of the state. The state government has to do something…we will take a decision.”

He further added, “Earlier, the state government did not retaliate much in the hope that an understanding could be achieved through talks. However, certain violent acts have been perpetuated on people as if a state government does not exist. This has hurt me deeply. There have been consistent insults to existing state machineries, and we have tolerated them for so long. The attack on an advance security team of the CM is an attack on the CM himself.”

Referencing to his interactions with the affected people of Jiribam, Singh said, “I spoke with them over the phone and told them I would come in two or three days and look into their requirements, and they were happy. I returned from Delhi as the situation in the state was important.”

However, with suspicions flying around as to the perpetrators of CM Singh’s murder attempt, Kuki-Zo locals in Uchathol Hmar Veng, Vengnuam Paite Veng, and Songkoveng villages have started reporting attacks on them. Around Vengnuam, a church was reported to be burnt down along with the homes of several civilians, as per Telegraph.

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Meanwhile as Kuki-Zo and Tribal groups responded to the CRPF killings expressing regrets and giving their version, the Meitis have retorted with sharp disclaimers and their own version about the causes behind the attack on CRPF personnel.

The two deceased CRPF men killed in last night’s blast have been identified by the police as Sub-Inspector N Sarkar and Head Constable Arup Saini. The incident took place at around 12:45 am in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. According to the police, as reported by The Indian Express, the gunmen opened fire at Narainsena village in Meitei-majority Bishnupur district. The police informed that the miscreants also fired a bomb which exploded inside a CRPF outpost there. “Security forces have cordoned off the area and further investigation will be carried out by the police,” a security official told the media.

Speaking to the media, Security Advisor, CRPF DG, Kuldeep Singh spoke in a measured tone saying that immediate investigations are on and the guilty militant groups would be brought to justice in a court of law. When questioned as to “which” group was responsible for the attack on the CRPF camp, he stated very clearly that only a complete investigation would reveal all details. “Everyone is aware of which groups operate here in the area. Both the Meiti and Kuki militant groups know that the Central forces have been brought in to fostrer peace, we are stationed between both communities,” he replied.

The Video can be watched here:

#Manipur

The Security Advisor of Manipur, Mr. Kuldiep Singh, who is also a former CRPF officer, has refused to confirm allegations that Kuki militants were involved in today’s killing of CRPF Jawans. So, where is Manipur Police getting their information that Kuki militants are… https://t.co/5qXczUUuzN pic.twitter.com/5I55V9w2YH

— Min (Kuki ka parivar) (@ngulminthang) April 27, 2024

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a person was also killed in a village in Imphal East district after heavy exchange of fire in the area last night. The person hailed from the Meitei community and was killed at Sinam village in Imphal East district, at the border of Kangpokpi.

Even as news of the tragic killing of two CRPF men made news, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, that calls itself the apex body of the Kuki tribes with its centre at Lamka, issued a press release on Saturday. “The ruthless attack on IRB (India Reserve Battalion) comp at Naranseina, Bishnupur District, by the Valley Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) resulting in the death of two CRPF personnel and the injury of several others is terrorising and deeply unfortunate.”

“The Central Security Forces have been in the forefront in protecting the lives of innocent civilians on both sides of the Buffer Zones. The Security Forces have been instrumental in ensuring public security, establishing social order, and providing hope for restoration and normalcy amidst the ruins of the brutal ethnic cleansing perpetrated by the majority Meiteis against the minority Kukis. Therefore, the Kuki Inpi Manipur vehemently condemns such act of terrorism against the Central Security Forces who are providing safety and security for the people. Such mindless activity is indicative of a total disregard for law and order and the impunity that the Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) enjoy under the Manipur State Government.”

Further the statement also recorded that “the Kuki Inpi Manipur is appalled by the swift finger-pointing against the Kuki Village Volunteers for the merciless attack against the Central Security Forces, as highlighted by a few media establishments. It is highly suspicious that this is a propaganda effort of the VBIGs to mislead the people and cast the Kukis in a negative light as a cover for their numerous anti-national activities.”

Urging media organizations to uphold journalistic ethics by refraining from speculative reporting and instead focusing on through investigation and verification of facts. Rushing to assign blame without substantiated evidence not only risks misinforming the public but perpetuates discord and mistrust within communities, the Kuki Inpi Manipur has stated that “as responsible stewards of information, journalists must prioritize accuracy and integrity in their reporting to ensure a more informed and nuanced understanding of complex situations like this.” Apart from the condemnation of the blast, the  Kuki Inpi Manipur has said that it stands in solidarity with the family of the bereaved CRPF personnel, and prays that such act of terrorism do not have a place in modern India.

Meanwhile the MEITEI response countered the factual implications stating that, ““Yes it’s true that Narayansena village is in Bishenpur district. It’s on the way to Moirang. There are many hills nearby .Many Kuki villages are there in this hills. Mary Kom’s original home is also from one of these villages. The Koms have maintained that they are not part of the Kuki-Zos but the Kuki militants have controlled these villages. There have been shootings between Kukis and Meiteis in the area in the past. So, “their” statement is an utter lie.”

The statement being referred to is a statement issued by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF)—a Conglomerate of Recognised Tribes in Lamka, Outer Manipur The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) while vehemently condemning the attack on Kuki-Zo areas near Khoirentak in Manipur’s Bishnupur district just after midnight on Saturday (April 27, 2024), which resulted in the deaths of two CRPF personnel who were guarding the buffer zone also condoled the deaths of the two CRPF jawans and prayed for their families.

Rebutting the unsubstantiated local media reports “blaming Kuki militants for launching the attack”, the ITLF has condemned this one-sided interpretation and claimed that this “information is based on a report by Manipur Police, should be taken with a pinch of salt as it is controlled by the Meitei government.” This body has also appealed to the media to play a responsible role. Finally, the ITLF has also made a bald statement saying it was “Meitei militants who launched the attack on tribal areas.”

“Kuki-Zo tribals have always appreciated the presence of central security forces and we have lauded their efforts in protecting the lives of civilians. Just yesterday, tribal residents of Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district held a protest asking central security forces not to leave the area.” Finally this press note states that it is the Meitei population which has repeatedly stopped central forces from conducting their peace keeping duty by blocking their movement while Meitei militants attack tribal villages.

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This distressing incident unfolded following a two-hour armed attack against individuals from the Kuki-Zo by Meitei people, according to reports. The clash took place in the bordering areas of Kangpokpi, a hill district predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo population, and Imphal West, an area dominated by the Meitei community. Numerous casualties, including bystanders, were reported injured during the altercation. Furthermore, another incidence of firing was reported after armed men reportedly attacked an area near West Imphal. 

On November 9, the police were still unable to locate the missing Meitei teenagers. The Manipur Police has informed an Imphal court that they suspect that two were probably already killed by Kuki militants. Thus far, they have recovered the cell phones of the two teenagers found wrapped in black polythene in Senapati district of the state. However, two bodies were recovered by the police from two different districts in Manipur. The police have stated that the description of the two seems to match those of the four Kuki-Zo people who were abducted on November 7. The two include one woman with a bullet shot in the head who was found in Imphal West and another body of a middle aged man was found in Imphal East. The Police have stated that the victim was found blindfolded with similar bullet injuries on his head. Thanghul Haokip, the soldier’s eldest brother, has stated according to the Hindustan Times that, “Police are yet to officially communicate to us about the bodies. We also cannot go to the mortuary where the bodies are kept as it is in Imphal, where Kuki people avoid travelling at this time.” The police have stated that an FIR is filed and the incident is under investigation. 

On Thursday, November 9, the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), which comprises of eight student associations, held protests in Kohima, Shillong and Guwahati, where protestors expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Centre. In Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) organised a demonstration on behalf of NESO. The NSF urged the Centre to urgently take actions to intervene and quell the violence in Manipur. According to Deccan Herald, the AASU (All Assam Students’ Union) advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya at the Guwahati protest called on the “silence” of the Prime Minister Modi, asserting that, “It is indeed a shame that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained silence on the Manipur issue while Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken no step to resolve the crisis.” On November 6, 10 MLAs from Manipur came out in a collective act and called out the excessive force used by the army and police against the Kuki-Zo community, and also urged the Centre to stop the conflict. The MLA’s also included legislators from the ruling government’s party, BJP.

The administration has extended the internet ban once again in the state, which was last slated till November 8, to November 13, except for a few areas. The Manipur conflict has continued since ethnic conflict between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities erupted on May 3, 2023. About 200 people are said to have been killed, and over 60, 000 people have been displaced thus far. 

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In a widely publicised public statement issued on Saturday, the signatories have stated that law enforcement officers have reportedly molested women and assaulted people from their community in what seems to be a case of violation of human rights, states a report in the to India Today North East. In late September too there were accusations against the authorities of using excessive force against protests that erupted after the photographs of murdered two Meitei students spread; the reported use of pellet guns used on students drew widespread criticism.

In this joint statement issued by the MLAs to the press, they expressed their condolences for the death of a sub divisional police officer who was reportedly killed by a Kuki militant, and they further strongly condemned the “excesses” of Manipur Police, especially that by the commandos.

According to a report, a sub divisional police officer was shot dead by a Kuki militant on October 31 near the Myanmar border with India.

The legislators have clearly stated that, “Our people can no longer exist under Manipur as the hatred against our tribal community reached such a height that MLAs, Ministers, pastors, police and civil officers, laymen, women and even children were not spared., not to mention the destruction of places of worship, homes and properties. To live amidst the Meitei again is as good as death for our people.”

Meanwhile the protests continue. A citizen’s protest was held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on November 3, Manipuris expressed their anger and called upon the Central government to intervene in the long-standing ethnic conflict. Members of Kuki-Zo tribal groups from Manipur participated in the sit-in protest, accusing both the state and central governments of failing to quell the ethnic violence that has wreaked havoc in Manipur for more than six months, according to PTI. The protest was called by a number of organisations, including the Joint UNAU Student’s Forum Delhi, Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi and the UNAU Tribal Women’s Forum Delhi. Protestors at the gathering raised the demand for a separate administration for the tribal areas.

The conflict in Manipur resonates in the southern tip of India, Kerala. In  a response to BJP leader Suresh Gopi, who stated that “People here do not have to worry about Uttar Pradesh and Manipur,” the archdiocese of Kerala’s Thrissur Syro-Malabar Church criticised the BJP, including Suresh Gopi and Narendra Modi in an editorial titled “Will not forget Manipur” in the latest edition of the Catholic Sabha.In response to this scathing critique, Gopi who is reportedly contesting from Thrissur, stated on Sunday that he has “no regrets” over his statements.

Unfortunately, tensions continue to grip Manipur. On November 5, Sunday, the government extended the mobile internet ban till November 8. According to the government directive issued by Commissioner T Ranjit Singh, there are high chances that internet may be allegedly used for anti-social activities. The Home Ministry has however repeatedly extended the mobile Internet ban again even though the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had suggested that the ban might be lifted in the near future. The mobile internet ban was initially imposed across the entire state after ethnic violence started on May 3. Hereafter, the ban was again reinstated on September 26 after being briefly lifted on for a short duration around September 23 after tensions flared in the region again.

Since May 3, 2023, the ethnic conflict between the majority Meiteis and the minority Kuki tribe has led to over 180 casualties and the displacement of about 60,000 people. Meiteis form about 53% of the population, and Kuki-Zo community forms about 40 % of the population. As tensions continue to escalate, the 10 MLAS have issued a call for urgent intervention by the Union government in the light of the fact that the crisis in Manipur refuses to abate.

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These are some visuals showing the shutdown in the region. Reports attest that vehicles were turned away and businesses were shut and barriers were erected by youth to prevent movement.

#Manipur: Indefinite shutdown at #Churachandpur (Lamka) following the arrests of four persons by CBI yesterday. #ITLF pic.twitter.com/ewVr8lcPnk

— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) October 2, 2023

The accused arrested by the CBI are 4 people from the Kuki-Zo community, which includes two women, in connection with the abduction and murder of two Meitei students who had gone missing in July. The arrests have stirred unrest and have led to protests and once again rising tensions in the hill districts of Manipur.

According to Outlook India, the agency has obtained five-day custody of the accused persons from a Guwahati court in Assam. The court has notably upon reviewing the records found the arrests to be justified and in compliance with the required procedures and has slated that the accused will appear before the court on October 7.

The arrested accused have been identified as Paominlun Haokip, S. Malsawm Haokip, Lhingneichong Baitekuki, and Tinneilhing Henthang. They were apprehended in Churachandpur, Manipur, as announced by CM N Biren Singh. 

#WATCH | Manipur CM N Biren Singh says “In a major breakthrough today, we have arrested the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of two youths in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sent the Special Director of CBI along with some senior officers to… https://t.co/DI9OqjZEw8 pic.twitter.com/uIUPrrmfjR

— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2023

I’m pleased to share that some of the main culprits responsible for the abduction and murder of Phijam Hemanjit and Hijam Linthoingambi have been arrested from Churachandpur today.

As the saying goes, one may abscond after committing the crime, but they cannot escape the long…

— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) October 1, 2023

Thereonwards, they were subsequently transported to Guwahati via a special flight, in coordination with local police and paramilitary forces. The CBI is noted to be intent on extracting information that may lead to the discovery of the victims’ bodies.

On the other hand, the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) has condemned the arrests and claimed that the two male detainees were the president and general secretary of KSO Leimata block, and have asserted that they are not part of any murder case. They assert that the arrests are arbitrary and “driven by discrimination.” Furthermore, according to a KSO representative, the four individuals, along with two children, were traveling together from Leimata to Churachandpur town when they were intercepted and taken into custody by security forces. 

CONDEMNATION

The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR register its strong condemnation over the arrests of six Kuki-Zo civilians, including two minors by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the 1st of October 2023 between Kangvai and Molhoi village, Manipur. pic.twitter.com/P5PaQ8YQ1s

— KSO Delhi & NCR (@KSODelhi) October 2, 2023

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders forum has questioned the alleged swiftness in the arrests, aand ask why no actions has been taken for several incidents of violence against tribals in the state. The Kuki Women’s Organisation for Human Rights has further demanded the release of those arrested. 

AN APPEAL FOR EQUAL JUSTICE

Dear Honourable PM @narendramodi

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) demands the safe and immediate release of the arrested individuals in connection with the alleged murder of 2 Meitei students in Manipur

The KWOHR is… pic.twitter.com/pwaOgfyx49

— Sumkawn (@Sumkawn) October 3, 2023

The two minor children who had accompanied the accused during their transit from Imphal to Guwahati have been handed over to the District Child Protection Officer, Kamrup Metro District. The children, aged nine and eleven, are the reportedly the offspring of one of the suspects.

In response to these events, the Committee on Tribal Unity based in Kangpokpi earlier announced plans to impose an emergency shutdown on National Highway-37. 

Manipur: Total shutdown in #Kangpokpi hill district begins

The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) Sadar Hills begins its 15-hour total shutdown in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district from 6:00 a.m. this morning to mark the fifth-month unrest in #Manipur

Following the commencement of the… pic.twitter.com/AQZFMER41k

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) October 3, 2023

This is also to put pressure for the release of Satthang Kipgen, a teacher and resident of Bijang village in New Keithelmanbi who was arrested earlier. 

The National Highway-37 is important as it connects Silchar in Assam with Imphal in Manipur and serves as one of the crucial routes for supplying essentials to the valley areas primarily inhabited by Meitei people. Another important highway, Dimapur-Imphal National Highway-2, also traverses through the hill districts of Manipur and has been susceptible to frequent blockades, further complicating the situation. NH-2 has also reportedly been blocked. The block, according to reports, is supposed to last till 9 PM today after the 48-hour ultimatum was given. 

Meanwhile, the CBI and NIA have denied any accusations of partiality against any community, and have said that the arrests are purely based on evidence, and due course of law is being followed. As of official records, around 180 lives have been lost in Manipur ever since the conflict started in May, 2023.

Meanwhile, students of the Kuki-Zo community have demanded a change in administration, arguing that they cannot live under a Meitei dominated polity during a meeting with valley MLAs in Delhi earlier this week. However, their demands were denied. Earlier last month, N Biren Singh also tweeted in clarification that he was not resigning from his post.

However, what is important to note is that their demands reflected the rising undercurrent of dissatisfaction and anger against the government with regards to thee ongoing conflict which seems to be having no end in the near future. Manipur has had N Biren Singh as its. Chief Minister since the BJP formed a coalition government in 2017. Manipur remains on edge, with ethnic tensions reaching a critical height with each incident. The closure of schools and colleges in the state has been declared to continue till October 5. The mobile phone internet ban has been extended till October 7. 

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It is crucial to highlight that on August 31, prior to the attack, four lawyers, namely Soraisham Chitarajan, Victor Chongtham, Th. Zingo, and A Priyokumar Sharma had to decide to not appear for Professor Huasing in the Manipur High Court. A memo had been filed by them in the High Court before the Bench of Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma informing the court about their withdrawal from the case, which was accepted by the court on the same day. Notably, on August 29, the state saw a fresh spate of violence that continued for three days, and claimed eight lives and left 20 injured.

Targeted attacks against the lawyers:

As per the of report of the Hindustan Times, on September 1, the residences and chambers of Soraisham Chittaranjan and Victor Chongtham, two Meitei lawyers in Imphal, were vandalised by a group unidentified people. Advocate Chittranjan provided to the Hindustan Times that “On Friday, around 2.15pm, a large mob came to my residence at Singjamei Chingamakha Maibam Leirak locality in Imphal West district and started damaging the house and my chamber. The entire house and its contents were damaged.”

Advocate Chittaranjan also highlighted that even after the attack, the police did not provide him and his family any security, and that they are staying in a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) guest house. “Though my family members were lucky to have escaped without any physical harm, police haven’t provided us with any security. At present, we are taking shelter in a CRPF guest house,” the HT report provided.

As per the report of the HT, the Singamei police station had registered a case on the said incident and stated in its report that around 300 people stormed the house of the lawyer as news spread that he (Chittaranjan) was the counsel of a Kuki community case in Manipur High Court in connection with ongoing communal clashes between Meitei and Kuki community. Notably, the said first information report (FIR) has been lodged under Sections 147 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 427 (Mischief causing damage), 445 (house breaking), and 448 (house trespass) of Indian Penal Code.

The police report also provided that “the mob became tense and violent and destroyed his house occupied along with his brothers S Jiteshwor and S Manoranjan…as a result of which most of the house and household items were totally damaged, but luckily (there was) no casualty.” As per the HT report, the police had asserted that the investigation is underway.

In the five hours following this incident, the residence and chamber of lawyer Victor Chongtham, who was also a counsel for Hausing, was also attacked by a mob. The located at Khonghampat Awang Leikai locality in Imphal West district. As per the media reports, the mob allegedly pelted stones at Chongtham’s house and damaged the walls and windows of the house. Reportedly, no one was injured in the attack and the lawyer was away in Agartala at the time of the incident. Victor provided to the HT that “The attack took place between 7pm and 10pm on Friday. Most members of the mob were residents of the area. There were some women too. The police had visited my place after the incident, but I am not aware if a case has been lodged.” 

Withdrawal of case to protect the feelings of the Meitei Community: Advocate Chittaranjan 

As per the report of the HT, Advocate Chittaranjan provided that they had to withdraw their names from representing Professor Hausing to protect the feelings of the members of the Meitei community. He stated “Me and my colleague had accepted the case of Hausing on being instructed by a Supreme Court lawyer, who is my mentor. But since myself and my colleague are Meitei and to avoid any hurt to Meitei community, we withdrew ourselves from the matter on August 31.” It is essential to note here that since May 3, ethnic violence has gripped the state of Manipur. The dispute has stemmed from animosity between the state’s mainly Hindu Meitei majority and the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo community. Over 163 lives have been claimed and around 50,000 have been displaced.

Advocate Chittaranjan further stated that even after withdrawing their names, the Meitei lawyers were attacked, further discouraging other members of the legal fraternity to take up the said case. “Regrettably, around 300-400 unknown persons destroyed my office annexed to my residential building completely. Under the present circumstances, legal professionals feel hesitation in handling cases involving threat to personal liberty and security,” he added.

Reactions to the mob attack on lawyers:

Senior Advocate Anand Grover, who represented the Professor before the Supreme Court and the High Court, told The Hindu that his instructing lawyers in Imphal had to withdraw from the case after they received threats. “They were facing threats and vandalism and so the lawyers assisting decided to withdraw.”

As per the report of the Hindu, Professor Hausing expressed his dismay by stating, “First, they threatened the lawyers on Thursday. Then the office of one of the lawyers was vandalised on Friday and so they withdrew. This is most unfortunate and goes against the principle of natural justice. It does not bode well for law and justice in the State.”

Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an umbrella group of Kuki organisations in Churachandpur district, stated in a condemnation note issued on September 2 and stated, “The threats to the lawyers by members of their own community show the level of intolerance and radicalization among the Meiteis. Mr Hausing has the right to defend himself in court and the lawyers were only doing their job by filing paperwork in the case.” 

What is the case against Professor Hausing?

Professor Hausing has been vocal about the alleged role of the State government in radicalising the Meitei community during the current Manipur violence. In July 2023, an Imphal East resident Moirangthem Manihar Singh filed a case against Professor Hausing following his interview with a journalist Karan Thapar on June 17. In the interview for the news website The Wire, the professor had spoken about the violence ensuing in Manipur. In the said complaint, Singh had alleged that Professor Hausing made derogatory statements about a holy religious site associated with the Meitei community and defamed the community, increasing “communal enmity” at a time when Manipur is witnessing ethnic clashes.

On July 6, an order was issued by the court of chief judicial magistrate of Imphal East taking cognizance of the complaint. The court had stated that there were prima facie materials for offences against Professor Hausing under sections of IPC, including Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 200 (using as true a declaration knowing it to be false), 295A (deliberate act to outrage religious feelings) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

It is essential to note that Professor Hausing is facing another case in Imphal West, where a complainant has accused him of not being an Indian citizen and alleged that he had forged his documents to procure identity papers. The court has asked police to prove the accusation.

In August, Hausing had approached the Supreme Court of India seeking relief in both cases lodged against him. On August 14, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had prohibited any coercive action against the professor for two weeks, allowing him “breathing space” to approach a competent court for relief. Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court, Professor Hausing had filed his petition in Manipur high court after that.

On August 29, Professor Hausing had filed a criminal petition in Manipur High Court seeking the quashing of a court case registered against him in Imphal East and withdrawal of the summons issued to him in the aforementioned case. The next date of hearing in Hausing’s criminal petition pending in Manipur high court has been fixed for September 4.

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The post 2 Meitei lawyers representing Kuki Professor Hausing targeted by mob, houses and chambers vandalised in retaliation attack appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The decision has temporarily deescalated a likely fresh confrontation between the Kuki and the Meitei communities as the land chosen for the burial of the graves, according to local media reports, was being planned where Meitei settlements exist.

Meanwhile, the Manipur high court too intervened in the matter early this morning and asked for status quo, with a hearing at 5 am and an order passed at 6 am. Acting Chief Justice M.V. Muralidharan and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma heard the matter. The matter was heard urgently in thus morning despite being unlisted on the deputy AG’s request, as he said it was possible that large mobs from both communities would confront each other after gathering at the spot soon.

The High Court directed of the Union government, state government and members of both communities to maintain status quo at the site in question till the next date of hearing. Further, the governments have also been urged to try and come up with “amicable settlements” in the matter. The high court has also  asked the asked the chief secretary and DGP of Manipur to file their responses on the matter, and will next hear the matter on August 9.

Following the violence that erupted on May 3 in Torbung, several houses of Meiteis residing in that area were set on fire by a Kuki mob, forcing them to flee and take shelter in relief camps. Hence, the ITLF’s decision to carry out the mass burial near the sericulture farm in Torbung Bangla under Torbung Gram Panchayat is being widely seen as an attempt by the core outfit representing the demand for a separate administration for the Kukis to mark the land as a reminder of the area where the first sparks between the two communities took place, as well as to demarcate an unofficial boundary of land under the control of the Kuki community. While Churachandpur is a Kuki-dominated district of Manipur, villages in the Torbung area are located on the edge of the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district and have a few Meitei settlements.

Earlier this week, reacting to the news about the preparation for the mass burial of the Kuki victims at Torbung, the influential Meitei civil society group Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) had, in a press statement, stated that it would be looked at as a provocation by the Kukis for further violence between the two communities.

“They can be buried at the cemeteries in Churachandpur or have their rites performed within the district,” it said, adding, “Slain Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists cannot be buried at the Sericulture Farm in Torbung Bangla in Bishnupur district beyond Churachandpur district boundary.” Urging the state government to prohibit such “illegal moves on time”, the organisation, seen as close to chief minister N. Biren Singh, said it would block such a move if the Kukis go ahead with it. COCOMI is vehemently opposed to a division of the state.

According to a report in Ukhrul Times, “The displaced people of Torbung Bangla also said that they will return to their village starting August 4, and demanded the government to push away Kuki armed miscreants who have occupied Meitei areas from Torbung Gram Panchayat Ward No 1 to Warn no 6 by August 3.” The report dated August 2 also said representatives of Social Welfare Club and Meira Paibi of Torbung Bangla, in their briefing to the media at Manipur Press Club, cited the areas in Torbung Bangla under the gram panchayat which comes under Bishnupur district but are now in the control of the Kukis.

Thereafter, msny Meitei civil society organisations also echoed the demand, most likely forcing the MHA to intervene.

On August 3, ITLF stated that it had “a marathon meeting on August 3 night” to deliberate on the MHA’s request to it “to delay the burial by five more days”.

Significantly, ITLF said, “If we comply to that request, we will be allowed to bury on (at) the same location and the government will legalise the land for the burial.” The statement added, “This request also came from Mizoram chief minister as well.”

It said, “After long deliberation with various stakeholders late in the night, we have come to a conclusion that we will consider the request of MHA provided they (it) have gives (gives) us a written assurance on five demands.”

In a letter to home minister Amit Shah, ITLF spelt out the demands – “legalisation of the burial site in S. Boljang of Churachandpur (Torbung Lourup); all “Metei state force” (state police force) should not be deployed in the hill districts “for the safety of the Kuki-Zo communities”; since the burial would be delayed, the bodies from the Kuki communities lying in Imphal should be brought to Churachandpur; the political demand of “total separation from Manipur should be sped up”; and the tribal jail inmates in Imphal should be transferred to other states for their safety.

HC order may be read here.

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Schisms & divides among communities need resolution, mature peacebuilding need of the hour: Manipur

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SC on Manipur violence: “What stood in the way of police registering the FIR immediately on May 4?”

The post Manipur: Mass burial of Kuki victims deferred after MHA request, Zomarthanga intervention  appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The continuing violence has resulted in human rights violation in the state which is bordered by Bangladesh and Myanmar has seen the cold blooded massacre of over 130 people killed, numerous churches (and some temples) torched, women sexually assaulted by mobs, , and thousands of people displaced.

The violence in the state appears to have erupted after a protest by all tribal student union (ATSUM) in opposition to the judgement of high court which has favoured the majority (in the plains) Meitei community being granted the scheduled tribe status in the state where they make up around 53% of the total population. There have been varied speculations and a myriad of theories behind the actual reason behind the eruption of such large-scale civil war in the state that is home to about 3.3 million people.

Some of the most common theories that are making rounds on the internet are that it is a drive of the Biren Singh government against the minority Kukis who are alleged to be involved in illegal poppy cultivation, for some it is because of the migration from Myanmar which is hampering the state’s demography , for others it is the game plan to capture hill land (currently home to Kukis) for the “production of palm oil” combined with a steps by influential Meiteis to get hold of the Adivasi and Kuki land which is in the hilly areas.

It is therefore important for us to understand the geographical division of the state, Manipur has 10% of the total area as Valley which is home to Meitei people and the rest of the area is Hills which are inhabited by the Kuki Zo and Naga community. The state has sixty assembly seats out of which 40 are in the valley and the rest are in the hilly areas. From government’s office to crucial educational institutions like NIT, hospitals, offices, and various infrastructure, these are concentrated in the Valley area. The Meitei enjoy privilege in terms of political representation and enjoyment of infrastructural facilities that are scarce in the hilly areas. Major business and trade are also carried out in the valley region contributing to the growth of the community and exposure to major progress. On the contrary the hill areas have poor performance indicators according to the data provided by the ministry of development of the northeast region (DONER).

There was a long standing demand from the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribe list, too, a matter that needed to be addressed: it is also a complex demand because the community is privileged in terms of their counterparts; they also enjoy reservation as scheduled caste (SC) in the state and also enjoy the reservation of other backward classes (OBC) and as economically backward classes (EBC) categories. The Meitei language is also the lingua franca of the state and is included among the 22 recognised languages under the VIIIth schedule of the Indian Constitution. On the face of it, the majority community’s claim for inclusion as Scheduled Tribe (STs) looks indefensible as among the specifications for tribes (and communities of forest dwellers) who fall into the scheduled category include traits of origin in the area, tilling of lands, distinctive culture and traditions (as indigenous peoples), geographical isolation, and backwardness in access to economic and socio-political status and resources. Though this criterion is not spelt out in the Constitution, it is reasonably well established.

There have been aggressively voiced concerns (bordering on hysteria) from the majority community and the elected government about the illegal immigration of Burmese and people from different Indian states in the state which “threatens the culture and traditions of the majority”. According to chief minister N Biren Singh there are about 2000 Burmese nationals in the state. If this is true the number is too insignificant to pose threat to the state population of around 2.8 million as per 2011 census data. It is also important to know that Manipur is one of the most protected state in northeast with an inner line permit system which restricts the entry and stay (residence) of people from across India as well requires them to have a special permit to do so.

It is evident now that the issue of inclusion of Meitis within the ST list is an issue related to easy access to land. Once effected (recognition as STs), the community will obtain rights to purchase land in the hill areas. This right was earlier restricted to the Meitis under section 158 of MLR (Manipur Land Reform) Act and LR (Land Reform ) Act 1960 under the constitution article 371C.  Besides, there are other threats that the hill community face compared to have which are that the educated and more powerful and wealthy Meitei community will use their influence to buy the land in hills and can even use a different approach to oust indigenous people from their land. Large sections of Manipur’s indigenous peoples are economically vulnerable and unlettered and also do not possess political power in the state due to the assembly seats allocation which is 40 to the plains and 20 seats for those from the hills. The other fear of the Hill people is that there will be no such reservation which is 31% for the scheduled tribe in case of jobs and examinations. The fear of the Hill community gets its ground from the latest action of the government where there was a re-drawing of the boundaries and various areas which had been parts of the hill were adjoined in the valley region. The government has been accused of working in a partisan manner in favour of the majority because their appeasement can ensure them long term political dominance in the state.

There is another interesting backstory behind the targeted violence that remains unchecked by the state government in Manipur. This dates back to 2021. At a seminar organized by the chief minister N Biren Singh (also a Meiti himself) outlining his 100-day action plan on Oil Palm Mission for Manipur.

According to data available from the government there has been 9,67,981 hectares of land marked for the plantation of palm trees which will be deemed to produce palm oil after which imports from Indonesia and Malaysia will cease. Out of the earmarked area plantation has already begun on 38,000 hectares of land.

In an interview to the frontier Manipur MS Khaidem who is the consultant of the Oil Palm Mission, Manipur said that the Union Government had given assent to the initiative with an outlay of Rs 11,000 crores for a five-year period. Out of 11000 crores 80% of the money will be union government’s share and the rest will be the share of state governments in northeast. He later added that 66,652 hectares of land had been decided as potential areas for the scheme across six districts of the state. The six districts are Imphal West (14,516 hectares), Thoubal (18,475 hectares), Bishnupur (10,389 hectares), Chur Chandpur (11,662 hectares), Chandel (6,803 hectares) and Ukhrul (4,808 hectares).

In addition to these potential areas, the State Level Standing Committee has identified another 7,715 hectares for plantation in Jiribam District of Manipur where Arecont and Coconuts which belong to the same family of Oil Palm are already cultivated commercially by the farmers of the district, he said. Manipur will be the 22^nd State in India to indulge in palm oil production. The districts where the land has been decided are majorly Hill districts which means that the vast areas are home to the minority and tribal communities in terms of population.

Ecological costs of palm oil production

The problem with the palm oil production which is a product of palm plantations is that it is a high-water intensive monoculture which requires around 45,000 litres of water per hectare of land, and it is hazardous for soil fertility. There needs to be a minimum gap of 30 feet in between the trees and the palm trees restrict the growth of any other plant/tree along with them which means that there are various ecological drawbacks to these plantations. This is evident from the Mizoram’s model where they have planted trees in 29,000 hectares of land making it one of the biggest players in palm oil production in northeast where due to high water requirement the soil has lost its fertility and resulted in mass deforestation.

There are a myriad studies which have been conducted by environmentalists across the globe that suggest palm oil is a threat to rich flora and fauna of the area it is being conducted in as the soil loses its nutrients and becomes largely infertile. There was a separate international body named RSPO (round table on sustainable palm oil), established in 2004 to address the environmental concerns which arise out of the palm oil production.

The most crucial question that arises is who is going to take charge of this palm oil production plan because the local farmers in the state may not or will not  be able to carry out production on such a large scale due to exclusive monetary intake needed to ensure production, something which tribal and local farmers lack. This brings in the “big corporate players” into the picture. For example, politically influential ministers, contractors, bureaucrats and (not to forget) armed groups, these are the sections likely to snatch their unfair share in the pie through fair or other means of negotiation. Then come the companies namely, Godrej Agrovet Ltd, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd of Patanjali group and 3F Oil Palm Aggrotech Private Ltd who will extract the maximum out the project. The union government has introduced a Forest Conservation Bill 2023 on March 29, 2023 in the Lok Sabha after amending the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. The battle is for land, under the rights and ownership of Adivasis and forest dwellers

In T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs. Union of India and Others [(1997) 2 SCC 267], the  Supreme Court interpreted the provisions of the FCA to apply beyond ‘notified forests’ to all areas ‘recorded’ as forest in any government record, thus widening the scope of the forest clearance mandate under Section 2 of the FCA. The amendment bill specifically targets such ‘recorded’ forests and proposes to include only those lands within the ambit of the FCA which are recorded as the forest on or after October 25, 1980 – thus restricting the scope of the Godavarman judgement. The new amending act states that the original law needs amendment because it poses challenge to ecological, social, and environmental development. The amendment seeks to convert forest land for non-forestry use while providing easy access to private corporations. The bill (now passed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee) talks about forest which is within a 100-kms area from the international border line which is a “gateway for the entry of private players to establish infrastructure” and “carry out palm oil plantation production”.

As almost all regions of northeast are not more than 100 kms from the international boundaries the amendment is a clear signal for more and more private corporations to enter the scene and carry out the conversion of this forest land into money extracting infrastructure projects. It is clear from this that the government is also eyeing to enhance their economic growth at the stake of a huge ecological and environmental cost.

Behind the targeted and brutal violence that has reigned unchecked in Manipur, where human lives have been sacrificed at the altar of political expediency, lies a sinister tale of impending land capture and dishousing of Adivasis and Hill and Forest dwellers from their traditional lands and habitat. Such a display of political cynicism that eyes “economic growth, money, and power” in ecologically degrading and humanly deprivation-al terms will cost generations high and leave an arid impact for a long time to come. [i]

(The story has been authored by an intern with the organization, Nabeel Masood)

[i] 1) Palm oil production – https://blog.mygov.in/the-launch-of-oil-palm-project-manipur/

2) interview of consultant for palm oil production- https://thefrontiermanipur.com/stage-set-for-big-push-to-oil-palms-plantation-in-manipur/

3) 2023 bill on forest conservation amendment – https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-forest-conservation-amendment-bill-2023

4) Manipur land reform act – https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=bc9d06b597d870d8JmltdHM9MTY5MDE1NjgwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMDIwNDkyMy0yYTRhLTY1NWEtMjA2Zi01OWVkMmIyYjY0ZDUmaW5zaWQ9NTE5OQ&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=30204923-2a4a-655a-206f-59ed2b2b64d5&psq=mlr+and+lr+act+1960&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5kaWFjb2RlLm5pYy5pbi9iaXRzdHJlYW0vMTIzNDU2Nzg5LzE1MzEvMS8xOTYwMzMucGRm&ntb=1

5 criteria for schedule tribe – https://vikaspedia.in/social-welfare/scheduled-tribes-welfare/scheduled-tribes-in-india#:~:text=The%20criterion%20followed%20for%20specification,but%20has%20become%20well%20established.

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