Jiribam Conflict : Why should Nagas also take note of the neo-challenge ? :::: Perhaps Nagas have an option of joining hands with Meiteis or fight against them

There is a catch.

There is a possibility of Nagas being dragged into the conflict in the Jiribam region in Manipur.

But analysts say this should be in the specific context of 'Meitei interest' on National Highway 53 and Railways but only for the time being. 

Nagas have the option of joining hands with Meiteis or fight against them. 

Meiteis ideally 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. 

It is perhaps more so in Manipur as the 'conflicts' are generally among the tribal groups - all armed and emotive and very much attached to the land on ground.

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 say Meghalaya and Mizoram - the general tussle has been with 'outsiders' - Vai Naupangs in Mizoram and 'Dhwakers' in Meghalaya (especially Shillong)  

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 throw few questions from 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 line to 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" 

This sentence/campaign slogan or whatever it is actually a double edged statement. Since 2023 May, circumstances have not only posed challenges for security forces. They are also enlisted into the ominous embraces of 'Us and Them'.  

From geo-strategic point of view, one can share that two Assam Rifles units have moved out of Manipur. They have been replaced by CRPF. 

One thought comes by training and aptitudes, these two Union Home Ministry-administered forces are different. 

But there is another thought process in the mind. Has not too much of love of Kukis for Assam Rifles spoiled AR’s image ?  

The words and phrases used by Kuki and Zo organisations against CRPF testify our argument to a large extent.  

However, it is also true that Meiteis want to "clean Jiribam district" from domination of any other community. 

Does it mean, conflict with Nagas if not the violence may soon follow?  This question is not to create panic but it should caution all stakeholders and the government apparatus should 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. There were some inherent conflicts also. 

While the NSCN-IM led by Thuingaleng Muivah always stood for Nagalim or Greater Nagaland, former Chief Minister of Manipur late Rishang Keishing (also a Tangkhul Naga) was all along a 'nationalist' pro-India, who was part of the resolution 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 Nagas ought to be given credit for keeping things cool.

Hence, security apparatus and the Govt of India will do to gear up for any possible demanding situations in Noney and Nungba areas where again Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and a potent Naga armed group were/are pitted against each other for area domination. 

Again mind you, the ZUF and NSCN-IM clashes are also not any recent trend or phenomenon. 

In October 2011, five cadres of the NSCN (IM) were killed in a clinically executed ambush laid by the Zeliangrong United Front at a spot in between Tonshang and Leishok villages in Nungba sub-division of Tamenglong district. 

ends 

Forces helping civilians : Repairing water connectivity during 2023 clashes