Protests erupted after six bodies, believed to have been kidnapped from the Meitei community, were recovered on Friday, igniting widespread unrest in Manipur.
In the capital city of Imphal, police in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have made 23 arrests in connection with violent protests, where demonstrators ransacked homes of lawmakers and ministers, fueled by outrage following the grim discovery of six bodies.
Protesters are now demanding accountability and justice for the ongoing violence in the region after the six deceased individuals, presumed to have been kidnapped from the Meitei community, were discovered dead on Friday.
Since May 2023, intercommunal clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the Christian Kuki communities have led to a staggering death toll of at least 250 people, while approximately 60,000 others have been forcibly displaced from their homes and communities.
The recovered bodies of a woman and a two-year-old child, believed to be relatives from a missing Meitei family, were tragically located in a river on Sunday. Authorities also confirmed the discovery of a Kuki man’s body the same day, although the exact cause of death remains unverified; investigators noted that it “could be linked to the violence” afflicting the region.
Tensions in Manipur escalated dramatically last week when a horrific incident occurred, in which a 31-year-old woman from the Kuki tribal community was burned alive. In response, Kuki groups have squarely placed the blame on Meitei rebels for this brutal attack.
A senior state police official informed the Reuters news agency on Sunday that while the situation appears “relatively calm today,” it remains unpredictable and volatile. As part of their response, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew on Saturday and suspended internet and mobile services to curb the unrest.
As clashes continued into a second day, police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse angry mobs. Reports indicate that at least eight people sustained injuries during the violence, prompting the deployment of additional security personnel to the troubled northeastern state.
‘Deeply disturbing’
On Saturday, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grave concern and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur, a state deeply affected by ethnic violence over the past year and a half. Notably, Modi has refrained from visiting since conflicts erupted last year, triggered by Kuki protests against the designation of the dominant Meitis as a Scheduled Tribe, which would qualify them for government affirmative-action programs.
“The recent string of violent clashes and continuing bloodshed in Manipur is deeply disturbing. After more than a year of division and suffering, it was the hope of every Indian that the Central and State governments would have made every effort at reconciliation and found a solution,” Gandhi shared on X, the social media platform.
“I urge the PM once again to visit Manipur and work towards restoring peace and healing in the region,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
In a significant political move, the National People’s Party (NPP), which is an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), announced on Sunday its decision to withdraw support from the state government, citing the inability of Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh to address and resolve the ongoing crisis effectively.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe disruptions, as internet services were also shut down for months in Manipur during the previous outbreaks of violence.
The continued strife has effectively divided Manipur into two opposing ethnic enclaves: the valley dominated by the Meitei community and the hills that are largely controlled by the Kuki community.
What are some effective strategies for rebuilding trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the aftermath of the conflict?
**Interview with Dr. Arjun Pillai, Conflict Resolution Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Pillai. The situation in Manipur has escalated dramatically following the recovery of those six bodies. Can you shed some light on the root causes of the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities?
**Dr. Pillai:** Thank you for having me. The conflict in Manipur is complex, rooted in historical grievances, ethnic identities, and competition over resources. The Meitei community, predominantly Hindu, holds significant political power in the state, while the Kuki community, which is mainly Christian, often feels marginalized. This balance has been disrupted since May 2023, resulting in violent clashes that have taken a devastating toll on both communities.
**Editor:** The recent events have sparked widespread protests and violence. What might be the long-term impact of these developments on the sociopolitical landscape in Manipur?
**Dr. Pillai:** The current unrest could lead to a significant breakdown of trust between the communities, making future reconciliation efforts more challenging. If accountability and justice aren’t addressed swiftly, we might see an escalation of violence and further displacement of communities. The local government’s handling of the situation will be crucial in either reinforcing or alleviating these tensions.
**Editor:** With the authorities imposing a curfew and suspending internet services in an attempt to control the unrest, do you think these measures are effective in managing the situation?
**Dr. Pillai:** While such measures may temporarily quell violence, they often create a sense of oppression that can lead to further resentment. Communication is key in crises like this, and cutting off internet services can hinder humanitarian efforts and the flow of vital information. Authorities should work towards establishing dialogue channels and finding peaceful resolutions rather than just enforcing restrictions.
**Editor:** The recent discovery of bodies, particularly of a woman and child, has fueled outrage among the Meitei community. How crucial is it for the authorities to investigate and provide answers in this case?
**Dr. Pillai:** It’s absolutely critical. Transparency in the investigation of these tragic events is fundamental for restoring trust. Without accountability for these acts of violence, communities are likely to escalate their protests and demands for justice. The families affected deserve answers, and addressing these wrongs is a pivotal step towards healing the divides.
**Editor:** As an expert in conflict resolution, what would you recommend as steps forward for the communities and the government?
**Dr. Pillai:** Dialogue and engagement are essential. I would suggest convening a peace summit that includes representatives from both communities, civil society, and government officials. This forum could help to address grievances and work towards mutual understanding. Additionally, prioritizing humanitarian aid for those displaced can assist in rebuilding trust and relationships. Sustainable solutions involve not just immediate security measures but also long-term community rebuilding efforts.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Pillai, for your insights. The situation in Manipur is undoubtedly delicate, and we hope for a resolution that fosters peace and justice for both communities.
**Dr. Pillai:** Thank you for having me; let’s hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
