MANIPUR TURMOIL: WHAT LED TO THE MAYHEM?

C Thangminlal Doungel
Research Scholar
INTRODUCTION
The ethnic violence that unfolded between the Kukis and Meiteis of Manipur on 3rd of May
2023, is one of the deadliest since its attainment of statehood in 1972. The native Kukis, who
valiantly fought the British in the conflict known as the Anglo-Kuki War of 1917–1919,
continue to suffer from ethnic persecution. History has yet again repeated itself with the
majority Meiteis now razing the Kukis to the ground as the scars from the three decades-old
ethnic cleansing led by NSCN-IM carried out against the Kukis in their attempt for Greater
Nagalim begin to dissipate. All the good things the Kukis had accumulated over the previous
30 years through their hard work have now been obliterated by this violence and arson.
When will this animosity towards the Kukis ever end? Should India ignore because Manipur
has a history of violence and ethnic conflict? Should it abstain from finding a long-term
solution to this perpetual issue? Who do the Kukis turn to for solace when constitutional
protection system has been mocked and muzzled for so long? How long must the Kukis suffer,
while its own counterparts in the neighbouring States are safeguarded and progressing with the
constitutional rights bestowed upon them? How can the Kukis contribute to the country when
they have repeatedly been the victims of crimes and atrocities such as this? Can these persistent
issues ever see the light of the day? Will the Indian Constitution, the Temple of Solace, remain
mute spectator while the Kukis quickly sink to their death in the quicksand? For a permanent
political solution, the Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO), have laid down
their arms to negotiate with the Government of India (GOI). But how long are the Kukis to
wait for the ultimate solution?
It is unsettling and heart-breaking to observe how the media portrays the Kukis as perpetrators
and the Meiteis as victims, and how stories are twisted to appear to favour the Meiteis. The
way these narratives develop in their favour demonstrates their dominance in every field. We
now put our faith in God and the legal system to find the truth in this complicated crisis. I am
compelled to write this as I am distinctively aware that the Kukis are not at all to blame. But
as the narrative insists otherwise, it is pertinent that the world understands the other side of the
story. Because I believe that the best adjudication is found in the wisdom of the public, and that
false and lies should not have a place in this world.

PART-I
GENESIS
Let me take you back in time to show you how the Kukis and its kindred tribes in Manipur
came to be overwhelmed by apprehension. It began with the three controversial bills that were
submitted in the state assembly back in 2015 in an effort to illegitimately seize tribal lands. I
won't go into details, but it's important to realise that the introduction of these Bills resulted in
a significant amount of outrage in every Tribal community. Churachandpur district
demonstrated the greatest opposition. The State's resistance to the move culminated in the death
of nine (9) precious lives. The Bills were ultimately withdrawn in favour of the indigenous
people, and peace was then restored.

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In 2017, there was yet another noteworthy incident. It was the 100th anniversary of the Anglo-
Kuki War (1917–1919), which the Kukis valiantly battled in order to defend their ancestral
homeland from the power of the British. However, the Kukis were not pleased with how the
State handled the commemoration of this event. To cut a long story short, the State ordered that
the phrase "In defence of our ancestral land and freedom" be changed to "In defence of our
dignity and freedom" on the Monolith. The Kukis were greatly offended by this because they
saw it as an infringement on their facts and history. The Kuki community's leaders put in a lot
of effort to ease the tension, yet it spread across the State, and the damage was already done.
This incident had a significant impact on the Kuki people.
The story was not over yet. The government then issued an order for the destruction of every
existing monolith bearing the aforementioned old inscription in every Kuki-inhabited territory.
Despite our best attempts to keep the monoliths safe, the government's directive ultimately took
hold, and numerous monoliths that were still standing were destroyed across the Kuki
populated territories. The Centenary Gate in Leisang Kuki Village is the only remaining
witness to this saga. It was the burning of this historic and significant gate by the Meitei
miscreants on the 3rd of May 2023 that spark the ethnic clash.
Furthermore, Thongkholal Haokip, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Law & Governance,
JNU, appropriately described the series of events that occurred over the years as the
"Demonization of certain community (here Kukis) by the State." Hatred for the Kukis grew
under the direction of the current chief minister, N. Biren Singh. The Kukis subsequently
became easy targets for intolerance and hatred as a result of this encouraging the valley Civil
Societies (CSOs). Recent years have seen a rise in the widespread radicalization of young
people living in valleys. Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tenggol are two examples of such
hardline organisations that openly advocate hatred towards the Kukis. They are taught and
brainwashed to wreak havoc, kill, and destroy in order to further their interests under the
pretence of restoring the ancient religion known as "Sanamahism," which was polluted by the
arrival of Hinduism. They also claim that they are safeguarding their ancestral homeland,
customs, culture, and language. This structured group encouraged the use of violence to achieve
their objectives. They are in charge of 80 per cent of the wanton destruction that occurred in
the Imphal valley.

Arambai Tenggol

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Here’s their leader by the name Pramot Singh openly inciting hatred and stirring the
sentiments of the volunteers against the Kukis in a Facebook post:

The Allegations of the Meiteis

On what are the most likely causes of the violence, several experts who have conducted
extensive research have expressed their opinions. However, the opinions offered are almost
invariably general and do not address the root cause of this ethnic cleansing. Manipur is like a
Tinder Box that is poised to flare up at any time with even the slightest friction, as Rajat Sethi,
a former advisor to Chief Minister N. Biren Sign, correctly observed. However, being a native
of the State who was born and raised here, I can recount a number of facts that contributed to
this mayhem. The following can be inferred from an insider's perspective as the Meiteis's
strongest accusations:
Poppy Planters/Drug Traffickers
In 2019, the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N.
Biren Singh along with all the leaders of the apex
bodies of every tribe in Manipur took a pledge to
stop illegal poppy cultivation and support the “War
on Drugs”. Apparently, the campaign was against
the plantation of poppy and illegal drug trafficking
in the State. However, having been enlightened on
the detrimental impact of poppy plantation and
drugs, the campaign garnered a lot of support from
the masses. Many poppy cultivators began to shun
the practice. The Kuki chiefs were also hard-head
against poppy planters as strict action were charged
against those found guilty of the practice. Hence,
Suppliers of Narcotics Caught: Meiteis
labelling all the Kukis as poppy planters and drug
traffickers was unacceptable.

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Let it be known to the world that besides
the Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis are also
engaged in the poppy business. But why does
the CM choose to remain silent on the two?
One must also know that just a small portion
of the Kuki community, who are economically
disadvantaged, are involved in poppy
cultivation. These are the people who are
taken advantage of by drug lords, people in
the seats of power, and people with access to
easy money. There’s a proof that the Meiteis
remain among the primary funders and
players from the valley.
Illegal Immigrants
Most experts appear to concur that one of the primary causes of the conflict was the inflow of
Chin-Kuki refugees into Manipur and the hosting of them in various hill districts where they
predominate. Yes, we acknowledge that a small number of refugees fled across the border as a
result of the military takeover in Myanmar. These, however, number in the hundreds, and they
are in no way to blame for the proliferation of new communities in the area of the district.
If there is a problem, isn’t the State the appropriate institution to exert its authority and find a
peaceful solution? Why are those extremist CSOs from the valley enforcing their own laws? If
neighbouring Mizoram can kindly resolve this issue why not Manipur? Are Myanmar's Nagas
and Meiteis unaffected by the military coup? Is it certain that the Chin-Kukis alone are affected
by the refugee issue? Dealing with such consequences is only within the State's legal authority,
and the Meiteis have no right whatsoever to foster animosity towards the entire community or
to refer to them as undocumented immigrants.
Forest Encroachers
The assertion that new towns and townships are being built by illegal immigrants and refugees
in the hills and around the forest is nothing more than a brazen disdain for tribal traditions. It
is their abject lack of understanding of the socioeconomic way of life of the Kukis, which
prompted them to make these hasty judgements. According to the cultural beliefs and customs
of the Kukis, the next in line among the siblings is chosen to serve as the head of the new
village. This happens when the community's population hits a specific threshold. New villages
begin to come up in the same geographic areas from the parent village as a result. Therefore, a
blanket statement to say that these villages are that of illegal immigrants/refugees is outrightly
wrong.
Although it is the State's legal responsibility to follow the law and correct any inconsistencies,
evicting the villages with so many procedural flaws is not! It is unacceptable to remove and
destroy places of worship using force or other state apparatuses. The world will not be kind to
such fascist leaders who would target a particular population in the name of the "War on Drugs"
and who would act deaf and blind to his own ministers and relatives who are contributing to
and investing in the poppy bandwagon.

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With AK-47 in the Peace Rally?
A video of a Kuki militant holding a gun went viral on
social media. Allegations state that members of the
SoO attended the peace protest brandishing a gun and
later shot at Meitei civilians in the clash. This is untrue.
The story's progression is shown here: By 1:30–2:00
pm, the peaceful rally was completed. While the
demonstrators were heading home, the Centenary Gate
at Leisang village was set ablaze by Meitei miscreants
around 02:15pm. By 2:30 pm, many protesters learned
of the fire, and had gathered in huge numbers at the
scene of the offence. However, the Kuki Inpi
Churachandpur and the police intervened, and the
angry protestors were asked to retreat.
Around 03:00 pm, Meitei miscreants beat up the
returnees and then set one Vaiphei-Kuki house ablaze
at Kangvai village. This infuriated the protesters, who
retaliated by pelting stones and torched those houses
that belong to the Meitei’s in return. This eventually
led to a full-blown clash between the two
communities. In fact, it was the Meitei miscreants
who used guns to fire and shot dead one Kuki in the
process. The Kuki insurgents were informed of the
situation and they promptly responded and came to
the rescue. This is where the recorded video became
public (time unknown). The peace rally and the
brandishing of guns by Kuki militants is unrelated. In
actuality, it was their prompt action that thwarted loss
of numerous precious lives.

The Kukis Response to “War on Drugs”

A poorer segment of the indigenous Kuki community did start a poppy plantation that was
financed by a number of organisations, including the Meiteis. And when the CM announced
the "War on Drugs" campaign, the Kukis supported the effort wholeheartedly. Different Kuki
Militant organisations under Suspension of Operation (SoO) and Chiefs of various villages
disseminated the government's position through their head letters. In actuality, they were the
ones waging a fierce battle against the growers and poppy plantations.
Additionally, people started to recognise the negative effects it has on the environment and the
young population. Despite the fact that they had no other options, the poor farmers listened to
the warnings and pitched in fully. Additionally, many who participated in poppy plantations
started to see how unethical and contrary to their faith this practise is. Hence, canvassing the
masses, from all sides was crucial. The Church also played a critical role. In unison, other
organisations and regular individuals echoed the call to end poppy plantations.
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Below are the letters deiminated to the general public in support of the "War on Drugs"
campaign. The head letters act as evidence to refute the notion that Kukis oppose the “War on
Drugs” effort by the government. In order to raise awareness about the looming catastrophe if
poppy plantation continues, many CSOs and SoO actually worked together. Some people even
believe that CM is a "godsent" to put an end to poppy menace. Because the Kukis themselves
were fed up with the community being branded as poppy planters/drug traffickers. The farmers
eventually give up their involvement and made significant sacrifices in the absence of
assistance from the State. Therefore, labelling those in SoO and the entire community as
refugees and poppy planters is nothing more than a calculated effort to defame the community
without taking into account all the relevant factors.

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 The Attack was pre-planned

PDS Rice Diverted

A plot to steal PDS rice was thwarted in the
Churachandpur area of Manipur . On March 20,
2023, an effort was made to steal PDS rice from
the FCI Godown in Tualnuam, Churachandpur.
PDS Rice sacks were being transported on six
trucks; they were meant to be distributed in
Churachandpur District but were diverted to
Imphal. But it was the district CSOs, and not the
police, who caught these thieves. This heist was
an intentional effort to starve the Churachandpur
inhabitants and cut off their access to food during
the coming crisis. The discussions is provided
below in the YouTube link..
Link:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lowMz0lQ8F0).

Re-verification of Arms License

The district administration upon the instruction
of the State government, issued an order No.
4/93/2020-DC/CCP on 14th February 2023, for
submission of arms and arms licence. This order
came under the supervision of the CM himself,
who justified the exercise by saying that the guns
will be returned to the rightful owner in due
course. It is an unusual exercise because the
verification of gun licences hasn’t been carried
out in the last 10 years, which was asserted by the
CM himself in the Assembly. The dire need to
renew licence at this hour despite grave
opposition establish that the State had a clear
intention to disarm the Kukis and render them
defenceless against the atrocities to come.

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 A week after the guns were submitted to
Churachandpur district police station, the same
were ferried to undisclosed location in Imphal. It
is strange to note that, the licence guns were only
collected from the Kukis. This came to light in
the recent crisis, that the use of licence gun by
the Meiteis became evident. This demonstrates
unequivocally the State government's goal to
disarm the Kukis, leaving them defenceless in
the crisis that was to be later-orchestrated. But
God came to our rescue and the operation could
not be executed as planned. Here’s a man boldly
saying that he had to use his licence gun to
protect himself and family, when no Meiteis
were killed in Churachandpur.
(Twitter Link to the Video)
(https://twitter.com/VLDMIRADITYNATH/status/1657263255704961024?t=KlQP_Zfuc0tBPaIZp2q0cg&s=08)

State Forces Aide the Mobs

It is obvious that the Manipur Police
Commandos assisted the Meitei mobs. They
can be seen in this image leading the rioters
towards Haokip Veng, a Kuki neighbourhood
in Imphal, minutes before it was set on fire.
The destruction in the valley was catastrophic
because it was apparent that the state forces
were supporting the mobs and the Kuki
residents were defenseless against the
invaders. Both the Commandos and the mobs
are also to blame for the extensive devastation
of Kuki villages in the border districts'
outermost regions.

After Looting the Armoury @Pangei

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Silence of the Chief Minister
Meanwhile, the state only broke its silence on the night
of 4th May 2023, after 24 hours when every house and
habitation of the Kukis in Imphal valley was damaged
and razed to the ground, forcing all inhabitants to desert
their homes. By the governor's order (No. H-
3608/2/2023-HD-HD), the home department gave
district magistrates the authority to issue "Shoot at sight
orders" in exceptional circumstances in an effort to
manage and justify the man's deafening silence. The
directives rarely had any effect because the atrocities
committed against the Kukis were of the highest
conceivable magnitude because the mobs were given
unlimited freedom to cause mayhem at their leisure with
the support of the Meitei police Commandos.
There was no sufficient troop deployment in the
danger zones where the Kukis lived during this
crucial 24-hour period of damage and
bloodshed. Additionally, neither a fire
department nor an ambulance could be seen or
heard in the city. It was a pogrom directed at the
Kukis that involved intentional ethnic cleansing.
The videos that went viral show their ingrained
animosity and brazen displays of hegemony.
While Manipur Burns CM was busy
Because the State was unambiguously on their
with Karnataka Election side against the Kukis.

Nurturing Radicals
Meitei Leepun
These radical youngsters and volunteers who are
indoctrinated and trained in self-defense are to blame for
the immediate development of the flare-up between the two
communities (Kukis-Meiteis). Meitei Leepun and Arambai
Tenggol are just two of these groups. In the recent past, they
have been encouraged and given wide rein to exhibit their
chauvinism. They are the perfect illustration of radicals
who are prepared to erupt in the name of preserving the
integrity of Kangleipak (Manipur) and reviving the fading
Arambai Tenggol
Sanamahism, the ancient Meitei faith that has been tainted
by the onset of Hinduism. They took the initiative to
persuade the other valley youths to participate in the act of
violence. After the burning and devastation, they could be
seen hoisting their "salai taret" flag in numerous places as
a victory sign. The city was made a safe haven for these
antisocial elements.

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 Close Linked to the Chief Minister
It is surprising that the Chief Minister himself has a close connection with these group of
radicals. The relationship between the radicals and the CM seems to be as thick as thieves. It
is strange that while the State at the surface is fighting tooth and nail against armed groups, the
State is craftily covering the Meitei Leepun/Arambai Tengol and allowing them to thrive by
bestowing them with sophisticated weapons. It has also come to light that Maharaja
Sanajaoba Leishemba, the Rajya Sabha MP and Lokendra Singh Laishram, the man who
spearheaded the Meitei ST demand are close aide to the said group. This revelation is a message
that cannot be taken likely. The intent is to achieve their agendas by hook or by crook, and if
need be, use violence, for which these group of youth are being trained.
The nature of violence, the brutality and barbarity of the crime was a bold statement to show
how much the Kukis are unwanted in Manipur. The manner in which the hatred was manifested
was never anticipated from anyone. With such intensity and gruesome manifestation of
violence, how can the Kukis ever find respite in the State. No amount of cajoling can
compensate the loss and trust to take root in the hearts of the Kukis hereafter.

TRANSLATION

If He doesn’t admit that He (Ramananda) is LOKENDRA SINGH LAISHRAM

wrong, He will be skinned alive. In the name of
Ebudhou Pakhangba I make this vow. Spearheaded the Meitei ST Demand:
Whether I am MP or Not, it doesn’t matter! Closely linked to Meitei Leepun

Maharaja and MP instigating the youths (Meitei Leepun/Arambai Tenggol)

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 Pictures that testify the CM connection with the Radicals

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 PART-II
The Flare up: What/Who Pulled the Trigger?
On 3rd of May 2023, all of Manipur's hill districts
were urged to participate in a nonviolent Tribal
Solidarity March called by the All Tribal Student
Union of Manipur (ATSUM) under the theme
“Come let us reason together.” The call was
unequivocally supported by all the tribal
organisations to oppose HC's recommendation
(WP(C) No. 229 of 2023) to the state legislature
for inclusion of the forward and majority Meitei
in the ST lists. It must be noted here that the
protest was organised in a peaceful manner in the
tribal hill districts of Churachandpur, Senapati,
Kangpokpi, Chandel, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal,
Ukhrul by both the Kukis and Nagas.

What triggered the immediate violence was the

burning of the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Gate in
Leisang Kuki Village. Based on the eyewitness
account, the miscreants arrived in a white Bolero and
started the fire before fleeing. However, the conflict
between the two parties didn't start until the miscreants
beat up protesters who were returning to their homes
Burning of the Anglo-kuki War Centenary
Gate at around 02:00-02:15 pm at Leisang
and then set another Kuki house ablaze at Kangvai,
Kuki Village. The event happened while the which is located 2 kilometres from Leisang. Please
protestors were returning home after a refer to the timeline of the violence given in page. 13.
peaceful conclusion of the solitary march.
Video Link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7XjuOxFU04).

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 Here’s the Timeline of the Violence

The Crimes
The violence, which was supposed to be a regional phenomenon, swept into the capital city
like wildfire, turning the defenceless Kukis into easy prey. "By the time we reach Bangla,
Kangvai, and Torbung (Meitei villages in Bishnupur-Churachandpur border), the majority of
the Meitei civilians have already evacuated their homes," a Kuki protester in Churachandpur
stated. There were no visible civilians in the vicinity. This proves that the crimes and arson
were preplanned, and the civilians informed well in advance. This may be one of the reason
whty there was lack of reported fatalities from the Meitei communities in these areas.
Numerous homes, churches, and schools were set on fire and destroyed. Not even women and
children were spared. Many were dragged out of their homes, and hacked to death. The fear
engulfed the Kukis who were forced to evacuate their houses and seek refuge wherever they
could, at the mercy of their neighbours from other communities. The Kukis in Imphal, the
Meiteis stronghold, suffered the greatest number of casualties in terms of human lives and
properties. Some were fortunate enough to reach army shelter camps, while others couldn’t.

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 A mother and son who were on their way to the army
camp to take shelter were dragged out of the the car
they were travelling and hacked to death just inches
away from the shelter camp. The mother Gouzavung
(57) serves as an Under Secretary in the Agriculture
and Veterinary Dept. govt. of Manipur. Such was the
brutality and barbarity of the Meitei mobs.

Letminthang Haokip, an Indian Revenue Kuki victims

officer living in Lamphel, Imphal, was
forcefully pulled out of his government
quarter and hacked mercilessly to death. He
served as Tax Assistant, Income Tax (GOI).
In yet another incident, three individuals
were severely assaulted and left to perish on
the highway without anyone to save them.
Many horrific events like these go
unwritten because they are too difficult to
even convey.

On the night of May 5th 2023, the Kukis were

compelled to block the Indian Army’s attempt to
evacuate the Meiteis from Churachandpur to Imphal
because of their discontent over the questionable
character of the evacuation procedure. This resulted
in indiscriminate firing that claimed 3 innocent lives
and several others injured. One among them was 24
years old Nianghoihching Simte, a nurse by
profession who died at the hands of armed forces.

The violent mob did not even spare a member of the

Legislative Assembly. Vungjagin Valte a Kuki MLA
was attacked by the mob while he was heading home
after a high-level meeting with the Chief Minister. He
is now undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital,
New Delhi. He has multiple fractures and is in critical
condition. However, his driver succumbed to the
injuries. Amongst the victim include a Cobra
Commando, Chungkholen Haokip of 204 Cobra
CRPF, who volunteered to defend his village from
being attacked by the unruly mobs.

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 Against the University’s claim, here’s proof of the Mob attack on Kuki students in MU

Attack on Kuki Manipur University Students, and Burning of their Documents

The Barbarity and Brutality

Kuki victims of the atrocities at various locations

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 Attack on Places of Worship
Places of worship were not spared. No regard for the
sanctity of religious places. Instead, the mob took pride
to destroying and ransacking the church, raising their
flag ‘Salai Taret’ on top of the Church, desecrating it
and then burning them down. As of 10th May 2023, 121
churches have been torched and destroyed and razed to
the ground. But despite all these the Kukis did not even
lay their hands on Temples that lie in the heart of
Churachandpur district. There is an allegation that one
or two temples are destroyed in the State, but so
sufficient prove to this claim.

Churches torched by Meitei Mobs

Meanwhile
The Hindu Temples lying at the heart of Churachandpur are left unharmed. The Kukis respects
places of worship. There’s enough evidence that the conflict was in no way based on religion
(refer the declaration made by various societies living in Churachandpur).
Video Link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkldHrn4SK0)

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 Lists of the Churches demolished and burnt down in Manipur have reached 121.

Note:
i) Few more Churches including those of Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC) and Vaiphei Baptist Churches Association (VBCA),
and others are yet to be documented.
ii) Data entered is subject to rectification. EBC Church (Sl. No. 15), along with Holy Spirit Church (catholic) and Peniel Church
(MELC) of Tribal Colony were demolished by GoM in the early hours of April 11 th 2023 around 2:40 am.

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 Several Schools that belong to the Kukis are also burnt and razed to the ground

Burning the Forest just in case the Kukis

are hiding: Langol Hill, Imphal

Villages Burnt Down

Despite invoking article 355 by the centre, the wanton destruction of Kuki villages continues
unabated mainly in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. So far, 70 Kuki villages
(unofficial) or more (including Imphal) has been uprooted and burnt down in Bishnupur,
Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Imphal West, Imphal West, and Jiribam districts. The atrocities
continued without any abetment until the evening of 6th May. The following Vaiphei-Kuki
villages were razed to the ground on a single day (6th May 2023)—Kamu Lairok, Lairok
Vaiphei, Saronphai, Kamu Tampak, Kamu Tangnom, Jeru Canaan, Heipaiching, Hekroklen,
Gotengkot.

Major Rahul Singh of 16 AR Thoubal Post, and Major Y. Singh, 33AR Andro post, both from the
Meitei community and serving in uniform, were involved in setting ablaze Bongbal Khulen, a
Kuki village in Kangpokpi district along with Meitei Mobs, according to eyewitnesses on the
ground. They have acted in contravention against the Army Rules of 1954. These two officers
must be held accountable and tried as per law.

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The state commandos and the Meitei mobs freely
operated against the Kukis without any sight of
relief. The Kukis are left with no option, but to
defend themselves and their land against the
marauding mobs and State forces with whatever
they could salvage. The attack continues in the
name of routine patrolling. These are in the far-
flung villages that lie at the border of Bishnupur
(Meitei dominated) and Churachandpur (Kuki
dominated) districts, and Imphal East (Meitei
dominated) and Kangpokpi (Kuki dominated)
districts. The police commandos claim to have
been ambushed by the Kuki militants (SoO
groups), but the truth is, the fight was between the
village volunteers and the State forces. Every
villages vigil against any invaders at the moment.
“Any attempt to intrude will have to face the fire
for now,” said a village volunteer.

Propagandas and Lies

One of the most disturbing incidents was the Meitei mothers instigating their men to rape Kuki
woman. This video footage shows Kuki woman at the mercy of the mob. They attempt to justify
the rape by claiming that they are acting in revenge to the Kukis raping Meitei women in
Churachandpur. So far, no such atrocities against Meitei women have been reported in the Kuki
inhabited areas confirms the
DGP himself. While both sides
incurred the losses, the gravity
of the problem goes heavily
against the minority tribal
Kukis. A reliable source affirms
that the mobs were assisted by
the state forces belonging to the Meitei Women instigating
Meitei community and given a Men to Rape Kuki Girl
free hand by the Chief Minister.

Even in the face of violence and angry mob, the Tribal

Kuki women in Churachandpur district are seen forming
human chain to protect Meitei women and children from
being attacked by their own men so that they could be
safely evacuated. While the Meiteis raped and tortured
Kuki Women in Imphal.
Video Link:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naq_v4f8Q9A)

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 KUKI WOMEN VICTIMS
Olivia Lhingneithem Chongloi and Florence
Hangshing, are victims of the ruthless Meitei
Mobs. They were mercilessly tortured and beaten
to death. Their corpses are now lying in JNIMS,
and have been identified by their families. May
their soul rest in peace.
❖ There are also rape and assault survivors
whose horrific saga remains unexplored as of now.

More Lies to Prove their Innocence in Crimes

That’s not all. The Meities are playing the victim card despite they clearly being the aggressor.
They have manipulated the narratives for their own advantages. Using religious card, they
have turned the ethnic conflict into Hindu vs Christian narrative. There are host of national
news channel propagating this as well. However, their attempt to spread false and fabricated
information seem to be counterproductive. It has frequently backfired and worked against their
interest. Here are a sample of the numerous lies disproven by precise information.

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 Fabricating facts and incidences as part of their propagandas

Assam Rifles Reply Against the Accusation

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 Theft and Loot
Post the arson and destruction, the Meiteis are seen stealing the properties of the Kukis that
were left behind at several places. They are seen taking every household utilities such as
fridges, washing machines, tables, television, bed, matresses, etc.

Kukis Goodwill Even in Times of Gloom

This is not to deny or devalue the same kindness shown to the Kuki victims from the other
side. There are testimonies from both sides, but I choose to refrain from recounting them.

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 Shelter Camps
Numerous shelter sites with thousands of Kukis sheltered within are guarded by paramilitary
personnel. However, not all refugee camps are safe and secure. Many distress calls came in
from the Lamphel CRPF camp and other places. The security provided by just 20 to 30 CRPF
members was insufficient to fend off a thousand mobs. Some of them have spoken about their
horror, which includes going two days without eating or drinking. Many people are afraid and
worried for their life and safety because of the fragile status of their line of defence. The
evacuation process at the Lamphel CRPF Shelter Camp didn't start until May 6th, four days
after the battle.
Kids were sick in a few different places. Mothers who were nursing their infants and pregnant
ladies took the brunt of the abuse. Their hardship was made worse by a lack of food and water.
The Meiteis and Kukis who had taken refuge in numerous shelter camps as of today (12 May
2023) have both been evacuated. Despite the fact that nothing can make up for the losses these
victims of violence have suffered, they have now found some relief from the extreme danger
and brutality.
The intention is to convey that it is the innocent irrespective of the warring parties who always
had to bear the brunt of violence of which they are never a party to.

Kukis in Various Shelter Camps @ Imphal

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 What are the Experts Saying?
Several experts have raised their voice on the violence and atrocities carried out by the Meitei
mobs in Manipur. To begin with the Supreme Court commented on the High Court of Manipur
order, to several others who have done extensive study on the region and the State of Manipur
in particular. Here are few voices:

Former General Secretary, NSUI

Prof. J. Doungel, Mizoram University

Babloo Loitongbam (Social Activist): “The recent emergence of

a new category of Civil Society in Manipur, which is identical to
that of the RSS in the Valley has led to this violence not witness in
the history of Manipur…”
Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVdL8IpDOfY&feature=youtu.be

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 CONCLUSION
Only Separate Political Administration for the Kukis will bring permanent solution to this
perpetual ethnic problem in the State of Manipur. The Kukis have suffered enough. The surest
mechanism that will guarantee the Kukis to thrive is to give them Political Autonomy
guaranteed by the Constitution. The Kukis have immense trust in the competency of their
leaders. They have the calibre to govern their community peacefully and progressively.

• The views expressed is entirely based on the analysis recounted by the author himself.
• Here, Kuki is synonymously used to include (Chin-Kuki-Mizo) in Manipur.
Thank You!

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