Manipur Violence: Tension and violence have once again shaken the state in Manipur. On Friday, a mob attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi district. This attack took place in Saibol village demanding the removal of central forces. Many people including the Superintendent of Police have been injured in this incident. Saibol village is located on the border of Imphal East district, and the area has been troubled for the past few months.
New chapter of violence in Manipur: What is the whole incident?
This sequence of violence is not new in the state. Manipur has been in the grip of fierce conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 3, 2023. Hundreds of people have lost their lives so far in this communal conflict and thousands have become homeless. The violence on Friday has once again made the situation in Manipur a topic of discussion.
People of Kuki community were protesting against the alleged lathicharge on women in Saibol village on 31 December. During the demonstration the mob attacked the Superintendent of Police office. An officer present at the spot said that the attackers pelted stones heavily to express their anger over the deployment of security forces. Apart from this, the vehicles of the district police were also set on fire.
Why is Saibol village the center of controversy?
People of the Kuki community in Saibol village allege that the women were brutalized by the central forces. There is an atmosphere of tension in the entire area after this incident. There was already tension between the Kuki and Meitei communities over issues like land disputes and reservation. The violence on Friday further deepened the gap between the two communities.
Saibol village is located between Imphal East district and Kangpokpi district, making it strategically sensitive. The deployment of security forces in the village has increased discontent among the local communities.
Questions raised on central forces
After the incident, local leaders and community representatives have raised questions on the deployment of central forces. A particular community has expressed objection to the presence of BSF and CRPF. He says that due to continuous deployment of security forces in Saibol village, the feeling of insecurity among the local residents is increasing.
Police and administration response
After the attack on the Superintendent of Police office, the administration has taken several steps to control the violence. After the incident, deployment of security forces has been increased in Kangpokpi district. Along with this, curfew has been imposed in the entire area. Police said that the miscreants involved in the violence are being identified and strict action will be taken against them soon.
There was a stir in political circles
This incident has made the political situation of Manipur more complex. Opposition parties have raised serious questions about the security arrangements on the state government. Congress Party Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s government has been accused of failing to establish peace between the communities.
What does history say?
Manipur has long been witness to ethnic and communal tensions. The main cause of dispute between the Kuki and Meitei communities is land and reservation. The Meitei community constitutes about 53% of the total population of Manipur and are settled in the Imphal Valley. Whereas, Kuki and Naga communities mostly live in hilly areas.
The Meitei community had sought to include themselves in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, leading to discontent among the Kuki and Naga communities.
International perspective and role of media
The violence in Manipur has also attracted international attention. The United Nations and other human rights organizations have appealed to restore peace in the state.
Will the road ahead be easy?
Restoring peace in Manipur is no less than a challenge. The only lasting solution can be to restore trust between communities and give priority to development work. The state government should establish dialogue with all communities to find a permanent solution to this problem.
