Editor
MANIPUR: In the midst of escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, a glimmer of hope shines through as villagers from both sides in the Lamlai area of Imphal East district come together to prevent further bloodshed and offer assistance to one another. Despite the crisis, these communities are determined to maintain their bonds, blaming "armed outsiders" for fueling animosity and wreaking havoc in the state.
Yesterday, Oinam Chandrabali, a resident of Thamnapokpi Awang Leikai, Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East district, spoke after a meeting with the MLA of Lamlai assembly constituency. She revealed that villagers from Gwaltabi, Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and surrounding areas had signed a peace agreement in response to the communal clashes that erupted on May 3. The agreement, signed on May 5, emphasizes the longstanding coexistence of these villages and their commitment to maintain unity in the future.
Chandrabali stated that the villagers had resolved to uphold peace and harmony among themselves. They also agreed to promptly inform each other if any external forces attempted to breach the accord. Unfortunately, during one of the attacks on Meitei villagers last Sunday, suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons violated the peace agreements by targeting Gwaltabi, Thamnapokpi, Sanasabi, and other nearby villages inhabited by Meitei communities.
Despite the violence, there have been instances of solidarity between the two communities. In the militant attack, Kuki villagers from Dongsel, who were signatories of the peace accord, saved over 40 Meitei individuals. Similarly, certain Kuki villagers from Samusong protected the belongings of a Meitei couple and returned them.
Following the attacks, the affected villagers have been displaced and are living as refugees. Chandrabali expressed concern that armed outsiders with advanced weaponry were deliberately inciting enmity between the two communities.
Regarding the involvement of central paramilitary forces, Chandrabali mentioned that some media reports had alleged their support for the Kuki militants while Meitei villagers were under attack. However, she clarified that not all central forces were aiding the Kuki militants. Many paramilitary forces, including the BSF, Army, CRPF, and others, were actively assisting in combating the Kuki militants.
Chandrabali appealed to the public not to impede the entry of all central paramilitary forces into conflict zones and urged them not to be misled by conspiracies involving certain central paramilitary units.
In an attempt to draw attention to the tense situation, women from Thamnapokpi Awang Leikai, Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East, directed their plea to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to immediately withdraw the suspension of operations (SoO) with the Kuki militants during his visit to Manipur. They emphasized that attacks by suspected Kuki militants would undermine the unity among various peacefully coexisting communities in the state.
Since the clashes erupted on May 3-4, Meitei villages on the outskirts of Imphal valley have reportedly been continuously targeted by Kuki militants, despite the presence of central forces in the region.
The ongoing violence in Manipur has resulted in over 75 fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and thousands of displaced individuals. Homes have been reduced to ashes, leaving many homeless. As the situation remains volatile and beyond control, the people of Manipur grapple with the difficulties imposed by indefinite curfews and internet shutdowns. Gripped by fear and panic, they anxiously await the restoration of peace and normalcy by the relevant authorities.
Consequently, thousands have sought refuge in safer locations outside the state.