Manipur Violence: Fresh violence erupted in Khoijumantabi village, located in Manipur's Bishnupur district, resulting in the tragic deaths of three village volunteers.
The volunteers were stationed in a makeshift bunker when they encountered a group of unidentified gunmen, leading to an exchange of fire that claimed their lives.
Additionally, five individuals sustained injuries during the shootout, with a couple of them reported to be in critical condition. They were rushed to a hospital in Imphal for immediate medical attention.
In a similar event, the United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), two significant Kuki umbrella organisations, have decided to remove barriers along National Highway 2 in Manipur's Kangpokpi district.
This decision was made following an appeal made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who expressed deep concern and emphasized the need to restore peace and harmony in the state.
The joint statement issued by the UPF and KNO announced the immediate removal of the highway blockade, attributing their decision to the Home Minister's commitment to addressing the prevailing tensions.
Notably, Kuki organizations had blocked NH-2 since the outbreak of violence in May. Manipur is serviced by two national highways, NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam), and the blockage had caused significant disruptions.
The clashes in Manipur originated from a 'Tribal Solidarity March' held on May 3 in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
This event triggered a wave of violence, prompting the imposition of curfews in eight districts and the suspension of mobile internet services throughout the entire state.
The situation was further exacerbated by prior tensions arising from the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had sparked several smaller protests.
The population of Manipur is composed of different ethnic groups. Meiteis, who make up roughly 53% of the population, are primarily concentrated in the Imphal Valley.
The remaining 40 per cent is made up of Nagas and Kukis, who primarily inhabit the hill districts. The complex interplay of ethnic dynamics and historical grievances has contributed to the recurring instances of unrest in the region.
The recent loss of lives underscores the urgent need for sustainable peace-building efforts in Manipur. The removal of roadblocks on NH-2 is a positive step toward de-escalation, but long-term solutions that address the root causes of the conflicts must be pursued.
The government, along with relevant stakeholders, should engage in dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and work towards fostering a harmonious coexistence among the diverse communities in Manipur.
Such measures are crucial to prevent the recurrence of violence and ensure the overall well-being of the state's inhabitants.
