Opposition MPs call Manipur situation 'very serious' after visit, sexual assault survivors move SC
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
As the ethnic violence and conflict in Manipur continue, the Opposition alliance INDIA has expressed concern over the government's lack of strong measures to address the issue.
As the conflict escalates, the Opposition fears that it could have broader security implications for the entire nation.
The non-BJP coalition recently sent a delegation to Manipur for a two-day visit to assess the situation. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a member of the delegation, called the situation "very serious."
Opposition targets PM Modi
During their visit, the Opposition MPs met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey and submitted a memorandum outlining their observations. They emphasized the urgent need for rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected people to restore peace and harmony in the state.
The Opposition delegation, however, said that the government machinery has completely failed to control the Manipur ethnic conflict and slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence", accusing him of showing "brazen indifference" to the ongoing situation in the northeastern state.
"Saara Manipur jal raha hai aur PM bansuri baja rahe hain (When Manipur is burning, our PM is fiddling)," Chowdhury stated in a play on the old saying 'Nero fiddles while Rome burns,' reported PTI.
Manipur viral video survivors seek justice
The survivors of the May 4 incident, where two women were sexually assaulted and paraded naked, have filed a fresh petition before the Supreme Court related to the viral video of their ordeal. They have also requested protection of their identity.
The Chief Justice of India-led bench is currently examining the Ministry of Home Affairs' reply to the case.
The home ministry has transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the agency has lodged an FIR in connection with the sexual assault incident that came to light on June 19.
Police had registered a case of abduction, gangrape, and murder at Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal district, and seven people have been arrested in connection with the matter.
Eviction drive escalated tension?
As the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis continue for nearly three months, one significant trigger has been the state government's drive against illegal encroachments in forest areas. The Kuki community claims that the Chief Minister's drive unfairly targeted them, resulting in the eviction of even lawful inhabitants.
Government data obtained by India Today NE, however, supports the state government's stance. The eviction drives between October 2015 and April 2023 show that families from various communities, including Meiteis, Kukis, Nagas, and Nepalis, were affected.
A specific eviction in the K Songjang village in Churachandpur in February 2023 further exacerbated tensions. The Kuki groups argue that such modifications to the scope of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, in the hill areas of Manipur should be carried out in consultation with a committee of MLAs, as per Article 371C of the Constitution.
What is happening in Manipur?
Ethnic clashes have been ongoing in Manipur since May 3, 2023. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in the deaths of over 160 people and the displacement of thousands more.
The clashes were sparked by a Tribal Solidarity March held in the state's hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.
The violence has been particularly intense in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Senapati. Houses have been burnt down, people have been killed, and there have been reports of widespread looting and arson.
The Indian government has deployed thousands of security forces to try to restore order, but the violence has continued. The government has also imposed a curfew in some areas and suspended internet services.