INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, is once again in the grip of ethnoreligious strife
The past two weeks have seen 20 lives lost, adding to the grim toll of over 250 deaths since May 2023
This ongoing conflict has forced more than 60,000 people from their homes.The violence stems from a complex interplay of historical
grievances and modern pressures
At its core lies a clash between the Hindu Meitei community and the Christian Kuki-Zo tribes
central valley, face land ownership restrictions
This fuels their demand for Scheduled Tribe status, a move that would grant them access to reserved jobs and education quotas.On the other
hand, the Kuki-Zo tribes view this demand as a threat to their interests
They fear losing their special protections and being outnumbered by the Meitei
(Photo Internet reproduction)Recent events have reignited tensions
The discovery of six bodies, believed to be Meitei kidnapping victims, sparked outrage
In retaliation, protesters torched homes and churches
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure to visit Manipur
His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governs the state in coalition with regional parties.Religious Tensions Flare: Churches and Homes Torched
in ManipurThe conflict has taken on religious overtones, with places of worship becoming targets
This adds another layer to an already volatile situation
The violence has effectively segregated communities, deepening mistrust and resentment.As Manipur teeters on the edge, the need for dialogue
The wounds of history run deep, but they must be addressed for peace to take root
of Hindu NationalismThe recent surge of violence erupted in Jiribam, near the Assam border
A series of retaliatory killings began with the murder of a young Kuki woman found in a river
Tensions escalated after a Christian teacher was killed and burned in an attack by Meiteis.This led to a deadly confrontation between armed
Kukis and security forces, resulting in 10 Kuki deaths
The situation worsened when six Meiteis, including three children, were found dead on November 16
In response, mobs torched Kuki homes and churches in Jiribam.Authorities have imposed curfews, suspended internet access, and closed schools
A senior Meitei church leader in Imphal expressed the prevailing fear and uncertainty among the people
The handling of the deceased has become another flashpoint in the conflict.Critics have targeted Prime Minister Modi for his absence from
the region throughout the crisis
A senior journalist in Imphal noted the lack of effective efforts to restore law and order
A church leader expressed frustration at the shattered peace and worsening economic situation due to curfews.
