Manipur Violence: The fire of violence has reached the stronghold of Nagas, why is this a matter of concern?

Posted on 19th Aug 2023 by rohit kumar

Manipur Violence The incidents of violence in Manipur are not taking the name of stopping. Intermittent violence has been witnessed in the state even after the creation of a buffer zone as directed by the Supreme Court. Now the violence has reached the heartland of the Naga community. The incident of firing has come to light in Manipur's Ukhrul district in the early hours of Friday.

 

A group of heavily armed men tortured and shot three Kuki villagers in the Ukhrul district, ending two weeks of peace since the last incident of violence on August 5.

 

The first incident of violence in Naga dominant district

This is the first incident of violence in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated district, which was hitherto untouched by communal violence in Manipur. The victims were guarding their village Thowai when they were attacked. During the investigation, the police found three mutilated bodies, which had marks of attack with sharp knives.

 

The attack on the Naga community is worrying

This incident is very worrying. This is because the Nagas in Manipur have so far remained neutral in the ongoing conflict between the Kukis and Meiteis. After the attack on the Naga community, there may be a danger of violence breaking out again.

 

a bloody history

Earlier, the 1990s had witnessed violent clashes between the Nagas and the Kukis, in which hundreds of people were killed. At that time the conflict was mainly over land. The Kuki claim their "homeland" in the hills of Manipur, much of which overlaps with Greater Nagaland or Nagalim. The Nagas consider it their motherland.

 

Now, the Nagas are of the view that if there is a settlement (through government intervention) between the Meitei and the Kuki and they are resettled in the hills, the Nagas may have to share the resources. This, in the long run, could result in a major conflict.

 

Why violence happened in Manipur

Ethnic violence started in Manipur on May 3, in which more than 160 people have died so far. Clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized to protest the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the majority Meitei community in the state.

 

The Meiteis constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. At the same time, the tribals who are 40 percent include the Nagas and the Kukis. They mostly live in hilly districts.

 

Also Read: Manipur Violence: CBI's 'Special 53' team to investigate Manipur violence, 29 women officers also included

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