A Retrospect of the Current Manipur Violence : Imchungla Ao

THE ONGOING ethnic violence in Manipur since 3rd May 2023 has been a deep concern to the right thinking citizens of the country. Several lives and properties have been lost. While the lost on both the communities have been enormous, some groups of the society have been playing a dirty politics out of it for their sole political gain which in its stupidity will surely echo back to their own society.

We are well aware, particularly the Naga society, that some vested interest groups are looking for opportunity, instead of feeling the pain of both the community. Looking back at the history of both the community-the Kukis and the Meiteis, I went through some historical research and found some interesting facts: that the Kukis and Meiteis had always lived in perfect harmony. The Kuki warriors always helped the Meitei kings in their (Meitei Kings) endeavour. (Writing their history may lead me to writing a huge volume; therefore, let me be brief here). The Meiteis owe a great debt to the Kukis, and vice versa. Linguistically, both are close and originated from Tibeto-Burman group of language. Meaning, they are inseperable. Then, what actually went wrong is a big question. 

But here, I am particularly worried about the role of the Kaccha Nagas of Manipur, who are led by the NSCN IM, UNC, Tangkhul Long, the Haomee Federation, etc. Frankly speaking, we know that the present crisis is a game played by the CM of Manipur, Biren Singh and MP Rajya Sabha, Sanajaoba. Both are assisted by the COCOMI, Leepun, and Arambais. But the larger issue is ‘who is controlling these illiterate leaders of Manipur? They are none other than the Central BJP leaders who are again spin by the RSS, the dreaded Hindu Sangathan, who always dreams of making Hindu-Supremacy in India. The May 3rd violence was a well-planned, co-ordinated and executed by the RSS (the whole world knows very well). For the foolish Biren and Sanajaoba it is a political ambition to grab the tribal land while for the RSS it is a persecution of the Christian minority. If it was just a misunderstanding between the two communities, why should the Meitei outlawed fundamentalists organisations attack its own Meitei Christians and churches? Few years ago we knew that the RSS have penetrated the North East, and are planning an attack on the Christians. Hence, Proved. 

Do you know that after the Kukis you could be the next target?

Another great question is why didn’t Biren utilise those battalions of state forces to curb the violence on the May 3rd? Why didn’t Biren use the state forces to protect the Kukis in Imphal and the Meiteis in Churachandpur? He simply allowed the killings and hunting of the Kuki Zo community in Imphal valley. This Christian minority were hunted in their work places, homes, rented homes, hostels, colleges and even in the hospital, having nowhere to run. (This simply reminds ones of the hunting of the Jews by the Germans in Europe). The sudden issue of Illegal Immigrants, refugees, foreign fighters, etc are just a blame game against the Kukis to suit their narratives. Even your Wangbaren god will not accept your narratives. 

Now, my question to the Kaccha Nagas of Manipur is ‘why on earth do you look for an opportunity to strike the Kukis? You have seen the pain and sufferings of your fellow Christians in Manipur. You have betrayed them on May 3rd. This proves you are double-minded, and unworthy to be trusted. (The same game will not be applicable here in Nagaland). The Kukis trusted you wholeheartedly but you betrayed them and distanced yourselves away from the conflict. Had you truly been serious about the tribal issue, you would choose to stand with your fellow tribals at all cost. The Meiteis started their counter-blockade against the Kukis on May 2nd while turning a blind eye to you. This situation leads one to conclude that you had a secret agreement with the Meiteis; your outward opposition against the ST demand was just a fox-in-sheep’s clothing. After 18 months of the conflict, it is apparently becoming clear of your involvement in the incitement of the conflict. When Biren became the CM you invited him to Ukhrul (your intention is highly doutful), while honourable Ibobi Singh wasn’t allowed to set his foot on the soil of Ukhrul. You supplied the Meiteis arms and ammunition. In this dying time, it is the duty of the Kukis to grab any rope to climb up the top, to use all forms of means like the economic blockade to face their opposition. We have seen you warning the Kukis of dire consequences, (and what not) even after knowing that your Christian brothers are being killed gruesomely. Why don’t you also follow Sanamahism? Why do you call yourself Christians and betrayed your Christian brothers? Are you now satisfied when your Christian brothers are dying in huge numbers? You never protested nor condemned when their churches were burnt. Your greed for their land, and envy for their jobs has reached its zenith. In fact, you could not compete them in any field- in government jobs, sports, banks, courts, parliaments, etc. That’s why you hate them. You excel them only in dirty politics (of hatred and division). Not only this, you threatened them often, boycott them, chased them, fined them (did they fine you for burning their 100 houses at Chassad?). The Liangmais have often released a PR against them when in fact you received the good news of the gospel from the Kukis, and even follow their pattern of gathering songs and gathering dances. You should be ashamed of yourself. 

Recently, the Thangal community, the community we thought are peaceful, have openly challenged the Kukis at Yaikongpao by blocking their rally, taking the opportunity that the Kukis have nowhere to go but to pass through the Senapati Road. You’ve a deep hatred against the Kukis, and we are well aware of all these. You envy Kangpokpi district. You think Kukis are insects that can be trampled and kicked away. We are aware of the treatment you meted out to your fellow Christians who have been burnt by the fanatic Sanamahi devotees, instead of coming to their rescue. You should be ashamed of your dirty politics. The 70+ years of your freedom movement proves who you are. Even in 1000 years you will not be successful because God is not in your movement. Had God been in your movement, you would have achieved sovereignty long time ago. 

The game you played is over. You talk of sovereignty, yet you love Manipur, and called them blood brothers. If Meiteis are your blood brothers, you are not Nagas. Everything has its own time. Your time is up. So f..k off Nagaland . 

Finally, dear Meitei people, open your eyes to the facts. I have several Meitei friends who are peace lovers. They know the truth behind the present crisis but could not speak due to the radicalised groups of the society. Babloo, Brinda and the likes have been threatened and silenced for speaking the truth. They know that RSS are using Biren Singh and Sanajaoba as a tool. The November 7 incident in which a Kuki woman in her 30s with 3 children was burnt to death after mutilating her body parts have brought in a new wave of violence. Don’t blame the Kukis for the new flare up. Heaven knows. Retrospect yourself before it is too late.

May the Almighty God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, have mercy on the persecuted Christians, but pour out His wrath on dirty politicians. Political Solution in the form of UT for the three entities is the only way forward and brings in lasting peace. 

By:-

Imchungla Ao

Makokchung District, Nagaland

(The author is a research scholar in South East Asian Studies)

14-11-2024

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