Around three weeks ago, fighting broke out in the state between the dominant Meiteis, who reside primarily in and around Imphal valley, and the Kuki tribes, who reside in the hills. In addition to houses and churches being burned down and the Internet being shut down, it has resulted in violence and trauma.
Source: The Economic Times
Approximately 75 people have died, hundreds have been injured, and tens of thousands have been displaced and moved to relief camps that the government set up with the assistance of the Army.
Since March, when the Manipur High Court ordered the state to consider adding the Meiteis to the Scheduled Tribes list, there has been conflict between the two sides. Since the change would make it easier for the primarily Hindu Meiteis to own land in the forest and hill areas and obtain jobs at their expense, the Kukis, who are predominantly Christians, feel threatened.
The long-standing problem of immigrants and indigenous peoples muddies the waters. Polarization has increased as a result of the state government, which is BJP-led, failing to resolve the problem. A high-level intervention is required to mediate peace now that the Nagas, represented by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), who have a truce pact with the Centre, are caught in the crossfire.
Source: CNN – News 18
While Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to arrive in Manipur today, the Army Chief visited the state on May 27 and 28 to assess the situation. To restore peace to the delicate state, efforts must be taken to bring the warring parties to a negotiating table and resolve their disputes via conversation.
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