Imphal: India’s northeastern state of Manipur remained under high security surveillance on Friday, marking the first anniversary of clashes between the Meitei community and tribal Kukis, resulting in the loss of at least 220 lives.
Violence erupted in the remote state bordering Myanmar on May 3 last year following a court directive to the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education, currently enjoyed by the Kukis, to the majority Meiteis as well.
While initial violence was quelled within days, sporadic clashes, armed confrontations, and bombings have persisted in the state with a population of 3.2 million.
The region has since become polarized, with Meiteis dominating the valley and Kukis the hills, separated by a buffer zone patrolled by federal paramilitary forces, where approximately 60,000 displaced individuals reside in relief camps.
“Elaborate preventive measures are in place,” stated a senior state police officer, refraining from disclosing specific security arrangements in a region where additional troops and federal police reinforcements have been deployed over the past year.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, representing the Kuki community, announced the observance of May 3 as “Kuki-Zo Awakening Day”, dedicated to introspection and self-realization. Mass prayers at churches and memorial meetings are scheduled in Kuki-dominated hill districts to commemorate the lives lost during the past year.
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Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), advocating for Kuki interests, called for a day-long shutdown in the Churachandpur district to honor the sacrifices and struggles of their community.
In the Meitei-controlled valley, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a civil society group, plans to launch a booklet addressing key issues of the conflict.
Reflecting on the past year’s crisis, COCOMI spokesperson Kh. Athouba expressed condemnation of the perceived injustices faced by the indigenous Meiteis of Manipur.
Despite sporadic violence, security officials label periods of calm as “apparent peace”.
“Both communities lack trust due to the absence of formal dialogue regarding the root causes and the way forward,” remarked an anonymous senior police officer, highlighting the need for constructive engagement.
Criticism mounts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its perceived failure to quell what critics dub as a blend of anarchy and civil strife in Manipur, a state governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
