Bengali Muslims and Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) have something in common in the post ethnic-violence-hit Manipur .... They are 'happy' with the Govt of India and may even say 'Modi Zindabad' !!
There are different ways of looking at things. We talk here about two different places.
But the case studies almost throw up same kind of results --- Lilong is a Manipuri Muslim (Pangal)-stronghold area in Thoubal district.
On the other hand Lal Pani areas of Jiribam district adjoining Assam has predominantly Bengali Muslim presence.
The ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo people against Meiteis (Manipuri Hindus) has changed the dynamics entirely. At Lal Pani village in Jiribam district, Bengali Muslims unhesitatingly say -- "We are with Modi ji and the BJP".
At Lilong, Manipuri Muslims (Pangals) will not spell out their political affiliation; but they admit one thing for certain ... "The Indian army sent by the Modi Govt in Delhi has helped us a lot on many matters and especially the health sector".
Zafar bhai Mia at Lal Pani village explains things better.
"We are happy with the security forces .... in 2024 our village almost got destroyed at the crossfire between Kukis and Meiteis. Moreover, we are with the BJP but that support is conditional because our elected MLA Muhammad Ashab Uddin won the seat in 2022 on JD-U ticket but is now with the BJP," he told this blogger at his native hamlet -- which is not far from Sejang (a Kuki-dominated hamlet).
Tension prevails in Sejang-Lal Pani belt not far from Jiribam main township.
The problems in Jiribam had surfaced actually only in 2024 June -- more than 13 months after the ethnic conflict between Kukis and Meiteis started in Imphal-Churachandpur and other regions in the state.
"As a Bengali Muslim, I should not talk much about the problem that has essentially remained between Kukis and Meiteis. But any kind of violence has to be discarded," says Wasim Zaidan, a shopkeeper.
He also swears his loyalty towards the BJP and hastened to add that statements made by some Congress leaders like Sam Pitroda that 'illegal immigrants' should be helped or accommodated in India are actually much embarrassing for the "genuine Indian Muslim families" residing for decades in harmony with tribal Christians or other Hindu communities.
But in Jiribam town several Meitei and even Bengali local people express doubts whether the BJP will return to power in Manipur in 2027 assembly polls. One of them said, "Of course things are too early but it is true, people are not happy with the double engine Govt".
For locals residing at Lilong, demonstrating a strong commitment to humanitarian aid, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with a team of specialist doctors from the Indian Medical Council (IMC), organized specialist medical camp in October 2024 to provide much-needed medical care.
Lilong has over 90 per cent Pangals. Of course similar medical specialist care was organised by the IMC and Assam Rifles at Patsoi locality of Imphal West District as well.
Sources say since the unrest began in Manipur in May 2023, healthcare services were severely disrupted, leaving those in remote areas with no access to specialized medical care.
Recognizing this critical need, Assam Rifles coordinated with the Indian Medical Council for conduct of specialized medical camp with the team of doctors of Indian Medical Council. The IMC swiftly responded, and agreed to dispatch a team of eight doctors for the conduct of medical camp.
The team consisting of specialists from Nasik, Mumbai, and Pune, proficient in Orthopedics, Dermatology, Gynecology, Homeopathy, and General Medicine, equipped with essential medicines, arrived in Imphal on 23rd October 2024.
At a later stage, such special medical camp was organised at certain locations within the Imphal Valley and Churachandpur district too, sources said in Imphal.
According to a social worker Alfas Iqbal, initiatives provided essential medical services to a total of over 2000 people including elderly individuals, women, and children.
In fact, local enthusiasms were always forthcoming and even Sorokhaibam Rajan Singh, MLA, Lamsang Assembly, organised such a camp in Salam Village at Patsoi,
At Pangal stronghold Lilong the event was inaugurated by Sazad Buiyamayum, Convener and advisor of Lilong United Club Manipur, sources said.
Ms F Asma told this blogger at Imphal airport that : "The Assam Rifles played a very significant role in helping the people at Lilong area in the health sector as people has been suffering a lot with major health issues ever since the ethnic conflicts started in May 2023".
ends
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