There is no sign of improvement or end to the cycle of violence, Bandhs and the administrative inability in handling complex problems in Manipur.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has extended its ongoing total shutdown by another 48 hours, citing the government’s continued failure to take decisive action and deliver justice for the killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians.
In an urgent public notice issued on November 2, CoTU, a Kuki civil body based out of Kangpokpi announced the extension of the shutdown, stating that the government’s alleged inaction and failure to initiate tangible steps against those responsible for the killings would no longer be tolerated.
The committee said the shutdown would continue for another 48 hours, while exempting schools, medical services, media and air travel for essential purposes.
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| File snap: 2005 - Bandh supporters enforcing the Sadar Hills bandh |
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| 2023 snap |
CoTU expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s indecision and failure to ensure justice, stating that the two deaths had left bereaved families and the wider community awaiting accountability.
The committee demanded concrete, decisive and time-bound action against those responsible for the killings, rejecting what it termed empty assurances and administrative excuses.
Naga Village Condemns Arson, Alleges Houses Set Ablaze by Kuki Groups
Reports from Senapati said, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority has strongly condemned the alleged arson attack on the Maram Naga village on Sunday afternoon.
It ha been claimed that several houses were set ablaze by suspected Kuki groups. The incident occurred at around 3:30 PM on November 1, when numerous houses in Tumuyon Khullen were allegedly set on fire, local media reports said.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Tumuyon Khullen Village Authority cautioned that its peaceful stance should not be misconstrued as weakness. It also warned that the authorities would be held responsible should they fail to act and further incidents occur.
Meanwhile, both the state Governor Ajay Bhalla and chief minister Y Khemchand Singh are reviewing the situation constantly.
Multiple issues are coming to the fore displaying yet again that the problems in Manipur have complexities like the proverbial wheels-within-wheels.
In a recent statement, the Chief Minister's Office in a statement said - "The BJP-led government (in Manipur) will protect the territorial integrity of Manipur at any cost."
The statement mentioned that a delegation of three eminent activists associated with northeast, UPPL and NDA lawaker from Assam, Pramod Boro, Lt General (Retd) R. P. Kalita, and A. K. Mishra, retired Special Director, Intelligence Bureau and ex advisor NE, made a courtesy call on Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Mantripukhri last week.
"During the brief interaction, the leaders discussed the way forward for restoring peace and normalcy in the state and promoting reconciliation among communities for a better future of the State".
It clarified that no other agendas contrary to the aspirations and interests of the people and the State were discussed.
The CMO clarified that : "The news item regarding the formation of Territorial Council in Manipur is totally baseless and fabricated.
"It may be mentioned that, on several occasions, the Central Government and the BJP-led Government in Manipur have consistently maintained that they are firmly committed to safeguarding Manipur's territorial integrity."
In an article, Rajya Sabha MP, Pramod Boro of UPPL (NDA) said: "Manipur must not become a permanent symbol of humanity failure".
The centre has released a substantial Rs 682 crore to Manipur as an "additional tax devolution instalment".
"This timely support will boost development, welfare initiatives and capital expenditure in the state," the chief minister tweeted.
The role expected to be played by the three member panel of public spirited citizens Pramodo Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra (ex advisor, NE) is significant.
Analysts say the root cause of the problem or the trigger is the absence or even the 'collapse' of the inter community dialogues in Manipur. It started with Kuki-Meitei issues in 2023 and then it expanded to other areas of the state especially involving Kukis and Nagas.
The Meiteis are emotional about the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur. The Nagas have their own history of violence and demands and the Kukis have their own.
In Naga areas especially Kamjong-Ukhrul things have become extremely unsafe for the Kukis and there are hamlets and separate pockets where Nagas are not safe either.
Sources said as three individuals are "aware" of the local problems due to professional involvement (especially for Lt Gen Kalita and A K Mishra); they can make a holistic view of things.
Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Boro - who has good rapport with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah - can give the necessary "political touch" to the discussions with civil society organisations from all three communities.
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| NDA lawmaker Boro, Lt Gen (retd) Kalita and A K Mishra with Guv Bhalla |
However, it is learnt "there is nothing Sarkari or official" about the special citizens' panel. Understandably, these three individuals and a galaxy of academicians and others met in Tezpur University in Assam in October and resolved to work for the north east region with a long term mission.
The challenges in Manipur are complex and by understanding the gravity of the situation, the panel offered to try to "establish a starting point for meaningful dialogue" between various communities.
"Things are on track and more efforts are necessary," said an analyst.
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