Imphal58 minutes ago
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Security forces are carrying out strict operations to restore peace in Manipur. Angered by this, Kuki extremist groups have started conspiring to unsettle the state once again. Kuki militants have openly challenged the central and state governments by writing ‘Kuki land and stay away’ in Naga-dominated Ireng Naga village of Senapati district.
According to the local people, recently at night, unknown armed people entered the village and vandalized it and wrote slogans on the memorial stone. The villagers have lodged an FIR in the police station. Due to this, the possibility of fresh unrest in the area has deepened.
The KNF-P commander, identifying himself as Tiger Kipgen alias Thangboi/Haugenthang Kipgen, called the village chairman and threatened to kill and burn down the entire village.
Churachandpur Road Block Kiya
After the incident, Naga villagers blocked Kangpokpi-Churachandpur road on Saturday. Liangmai Naga Council and Naga People’s Organization (NPO) have warned of retaliatory action. Many Naga organizations along with joint tribal bodies have threatened traffic and trade blockade.
Caste violence began in Manipur in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo communities. This continued till the early months of 2025. During the violence, incidents of arson, looting and murders took place in many areas. Thousands of people were displaced and forced to live in relief camps. Chief Minister N Biren Singh had resigned after the violence. The Center has imposed President’s rule in Manipur.
On 3 May 2023, there was a march against the High Court decision and then violence broke out.
Understand the reason for Manipur violence in 4 points…
The population of Manipur is about 38 lakh. There are three major communities here – Meitei, Naga and Kuki. Meitais are mostly Hindus. The Nga-Kuki follow Christianity. Come under ST category. Their population is about 50%. Imphal Valley, spread over about 10% of the state’s area, is dominated by the Meitei community. Naga-Kuki population is about 34 percent. These people live in about 90% of the area of the state.
- How the controversy started: The Meitei community demands that they should also be given tribe status. The community filed a petition for this in the Manipur High Court. The community’s argument was that Manipur had merged with India in 1949. Before that they had got the status of tribe only. After this, the High Court recommended to the state government that Meitei should be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST).
- What is Meitei’s argument: The Meitei tribe believe that years ago their kings had called the Kukis from Myanmar to fight a war. After that they became permanent residents. These people cut forests for employment and started cultivating opium. Due to this, Manipur has become a triangle of drug smuggling. All this is happening openly. He formed an arms group to fight the Naga people.
- Why are the Naga-Kukis against: The remaining two tribes are against giving reservation to the Meitei community. They say that 40 out of 60 assembly seats in the state are already in the Meitei dominated Imphal Valley. In such a situation, if Meiteis get reservation in ST category, their rights will be divided.
- What are the political equations: Out of 60 MLAs of Manipur, 40 MLAs are from Meitei and 20 MLAs are from Naga-Kuki tribe. Till now only two out of 12 CMs have been from the tribe.
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