If someone asks, who is responsible for creation of a Frankenstein's Monster in Manipur?
The 'new answer' could be N. Biren Singh may be too small a player.
If one believes Sheikh Hasina ... it is Joe Biden and the Democrat's 'Christian State' agenda carving out of three countries Bangladesh, India and Myanmar.
Jiribam fracas highlight key elements of Meitei's plans and mindset
Meiteis would like to have Nagas on their side to fight Kukis
It goes without stating that the strong elements of 'Us' and 'Them' syndromes work quite strongly in the northeastern region. The 'logic of us and the ideology of others' motivates the root cause of identity politics and socio-ethnic background in the northeast.
In other states - Meghalaya and Mizoram - the general tussle has been with 'outsiders' - Vai Naupangs in Mizoram and 'Dhwakers' in Meghalaya (especially Shillong).
In Nagaland, the 'plain manu' is a meek customer to debate anything.
Biharis, Bengali Hindus and Gorkhalis/Nepalis have been at the receiving end in Shillong and other places and many people have sold the properties, sought jobs outside left bag and baggage for good.
So the latest conflict in Manipur's Jiribam raises a few questions from a security point of view and also on ethnic lines.
Closer studies suggest Meiteis allegedly want to keep National Highway 53 and Railway connectivity between Jiribam and Imphal "totally free" from any other community influence whether Kuki/Zo/Hmar or Naga to maintain supply lines to the valley.
Of course this is "life line for Meiteis" as other roads are either blocked easily or are vulnerable to be blocked. Needless to add, no one is blaming Meiteis alone for what has turned out in the Jiribam region.
The Kuki-Zo also have their share of the blame. In the social media, we have lines emerging - "CRPF has turned into a force of terror against Kuki Zo tribals. The massacre of 11 innocent lives must face global condemnation. #Justice4KukiZo"
Officials say the 11 deceased are Kuki militants. Hence the campaign slogan or social media posting is actually a double edged statement. Since 2023 May, circumstances have posed multiple challenges for security forces.
They are also enlisted into the ominous embraces of 'Us and Them'.
Two Assam Rifles units have moved out of Manipur. They have been replaced by CRPF. Dwelling deep one can say, these two Union Home Ministry-administered forces are different by training itself.
Has not "too much of love" of Kukis for Assam Rifles spoiled AR’s image ?
However, it is also true that Meiteis want to "clean Jiribam district" from domination of any other community.
This means conflict with Nagas is possible. This question is not to create panic but it should caution all and the government must pull up its sleeves.
In the mid-nineties, the Naga-Kuki clashes used to be a nightmare both in Nagaland and in Manipur. In 2001, when the Naga ceasefire was extended to parts of Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, the Imphal valley burnt for days.
In other words, when it comes to 'integrity' of Naga contiguous areas, there is mutual distrust between the Nagas and the Meiteis.
Dream merchants in Kohima may do his business.
While the NSCN-IM always stood for Nagalim, former Manipur CM Rishang Keishing (also a Tangkhul Naga) was all along a 'nationalist' pro-India.
He was always part of the resolutions of Manipur Assembly that 'not an inch' of Manipur state could be compromised.
Therefore, when in 2023 Nagas did not join either side during violent clashes between Kukis and Meites, the Naga leaders and organisations in Manipur deserved to be given credit for keeping things cool.
The security apparatus and the Govt of India will now do well to gear up for any possible demanding situations in Noney and Nungba areas of Manipur where again Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and a potent Naga armed group were/are pitted against each other for area domination.
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The ZUF and NSCN-IM clashes are also not a recent trend. In October 2011, five cadres of the NSCN (IM) were killed in an ambush laid by the Zeliangrong United Front at a spot in between Tonshang and Leishok villages in Nungba sub-division of Tamenglong district.
There is a catch now. There is a possibility of Nagas being dragged into the conflict in the Jiribam region. But that is in the specific context of 'Meitei interest' on National Highway 53.
The Nagas will have the option of joining hands with Meiteis or fighting against them.
Dream Merchants in Nagaland, New Delhi and even in the US may have their agenda but also limitations.
The Nagas of Manipur locally have more pressing issues to handle.
The fresh Jiribam fracas and killings of 11 Kuki militants will only strengthen this argument.
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