Indefinite Curfew in Imphal Amid Escalating Ethnic Violence

Synopsis

Indefinite curfew imposed in Imphal as ethnic violence escalates between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Imphal, the capital of Manipur, has been placed under an indefinite curfew following intensified ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. This conflict, which began in May 2023, has recently escalated with the use of drones and rocket attacks, causing several casualties, including the tragic death of a former soldier. The curfew was imposed in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts to curb unrest, which was triggered by protests demanding that the Manipur government take over the unified command overseeing security operations in the region.

The violence, fueled by long-standing ethnic tensions, has sparked widespread unrest, protests, and the use of sophisticated weaponry, marking a dangerous escalation. This article will delve deeply into the root causes of the conflict, the recent developments in the region, the government’s response, and the broader implications of the ongoing violence on peace in Manipur.

Historical Context: The Origins of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict

Root Causes of the Tensions

The Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur have a long history of tension rooted in issues of land rights, political representation, and ethnic identity. The Meiteis, who primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, who live mainly in the hill districts, have clashed for decades over these issues. While the Meiteis have traditionally wielded greater political and economic power due to their larger population and control over the fertile valley lands, the Kukis have long sought autonomy and the protection of their land rights in the hill regions.

The land dispute is central to the conflict, with the Kukis opposing efforts by the Meiteis to gain access to the hill areas. The Kukis view these actions as a direct threat to their ancestral lands, exacerbating the divide between the two communities. Political representation also plays a significant role in the tensions, as both groups vie for influence in Manipur’s political arena, with the Kukis often feeling marginalized by the Meitei-dominated government.

In 2023, a series of events brought these long-simmering tensions to a head, sparking widespread violence that has continued to escalate. The conflict has displaced thousands of people, caused significant loss of life, and left deep scars on the social fabric of Manipur.

Timeline of Key Events

To understand the full scope of the Meitei-Kuki conflict, it is essential to examine the key events leading up to the current violence:

• May 2023: Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupts after a controversial political decision related to land rights. Clashes spread across Manipur, leading to casualties and displacement.
• June 2023: The violence intensifies as both communities engage in retaliatory attacks. The state government, along with the central government, deploys additional security forces to manage the situation.
• July 2024: Despite efforts to establish peace talks, violence resumes following a disputed court ruling that further complicates land ownership issues between the communities.
• September 2024: The conflict reaches a new level of escalation with the use of drones and rockets in attacks on villages. The Imphal Valley becomes the epicenter of violence, prompting the government to impose an indefinite curfew.

The current situation, with drones and rocket attacks now being reported, marks a dangerous new phase in the conflict. The increased use of military-grade weapons has made the violence even more devastating, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

Escalation of Violence: Drones and Rocket Attacks

The Use of Advanced Weaponry in the Conflict

The use of drones and rockets in the Meitei-Kuki conflict represents a significant escalation in the violence. In September 2024, reports emerged of drones being used to carry out targeted attacks on Meitei villages, while rockets have also been deployed in cross-border attacks. This shift in tactics has raised concerns about the level of sophistication and organization within the armed groups on both sides.

While the use of conventional weapons such as firearms and explosives has been a feature of the conflict for years, the introduction of drones and rockets suggests that both sides are acquiring more advanced weaponry. Drones, in particular, offer a new dimension to the violence, allowing attackers to strike from a distance with greater precision. The attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with at least nine people killed since the beginning of September 2024.

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred on the night of September 8, 2024, when a former soldier was killed after inadvertently crossing the buffer zone that separates the Meitei and Kuki areas. This zone, established as part of a ceasefire agreement, was intended to prevent further violence but has proven ineffective in the face of the recent escalation.

The introduction of drones and rockets has raised new challenges for the security forces tasked with maintaining order in Manipur. The traditional tactics employed by the police and military are ill-suited to counter the use of such advanced weaponry, leading to calls for a more sophisticated response.

Government Response: Imposition of an Indefinite Curfew

The Curfew in Imphal

In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government imposed an indefinite curfew in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts on September 10, 2024. The curfew, which took effect at 11 AM, was aimed at restoring order and preventing further clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. It also followed two consecutive days of protests in Imphal, during which thousands of students and activists demanded that the state government take over control of the unified command responsible for managing security operations in the region.

The curfew has effectively brought life in Imphal to a standstill. Schools, businesses, and government offices have been shut down, and public gatherings have been banned. The authorities have also restricted movement in and out of the city, with residents being advised to stay indoors. The imposition of the curfew has disrupted essential services, including transportation and healthcare, exacerbating the already difficult conditions faced by residents.

While the curfew is seen as a necessary step to prevent further violence, it has also raised concerns about the long-term impact on the economy and social fabric of Manipur. The state, already struggling with the effects of ongoing violence, now faces additional challenges as a result of the indefinite lockdown.

The Unified Command Controversy

One of the central demands of the protesters in Imphal has been the transfer of control over the unified command to the state government. The unified command, which includes officials from the Union Home Ministry, the Indian Army, and the state security forces, has been tasked with overseeing security operations in the violence-hit areas of Manipur.

Protesters argue that the central government’s involvement in the unified command has hindered effective decision-making and that the state government, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, should be given greater autonomy in handling security matters. They believe that the state government has a better understanding of the local dynamics and is more capable of addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, have also voiced support for the protesters’ demands. Kharge has called for the dismissal of Chief Minister Singh, accusing him of incompetence in managing the situation. He has also criticized the central government’s response, arguing that its failure to address the conflict has allowed the violence to spiral out of control.

The central government, however, has so far resisted calls to transfer control of the unified command, maintaining that a collaborative approach is necessary to restore peace in the region.

The Human Cost: Casualties, Displacement, and Trauma

Civilian Casualties

The escalation of violence in Manipur has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. According to reports, at least nine people have been killed in drone and rocket attacks on Meitei villages since the beginning of September 2024. These casualties add to the already significant death toll that has accumulated since the conflict began in May 2023.

The most recent wave of violence has not only claimed lives but also caused widespread destruction of property. Homes, businesses, and public infrastructure have been targeted in the attacks, leaving many residents without shelter or means of livelihood.

Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands of people from both the Meitei and Kuki communities. Many families have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters, where they face harsh living conditions and limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the deteriorating conditions in the region, with many warning that the situation could worsen if the violence continues. The displacement crisis has placed a significant strain on local resources, and the lack of adequate shelter and healthcare facilities has made it difficult to provide assistance to those in need.

The psychological toll of the conflict is also becoming increasingly apparent. Many of those affected by the violence, particularly children, are at risk of long-term trauma as a result of their exposure to violence and instability. Mental health professionals have called for greater attention to be paid to the psychological impact of the conflict, urging the government to provide support to those in need.

Path to Resolution: Dialogue and Security Measures

Calls for Peace Talks and Reconciliation

In the face of the escalating violence, various civil society organizations and religious groups have called for dialogue and reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki communities. They argue that the only way to achieve lasting peace in Manipur is through open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Reconciliation efforts must focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes, political representation, and cultural identity. The central and state governments must work together to create an environment conducive to peace talks, ensuring that both communities have an equal stake in the process.

Several organizations have already begun

grassroots efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two communities, with some success in de-escalating localized tensions. However, a broader reconciliation process will require the involvement of all stakeholders, including political leaders, security forces, and civil society groups.

Strengthening Security Measures

In the short term, the government must take steps to strengthen security measures in Manipur to prevent further violence. This includes deploying additional security forces to maintain peace and order, as well as enhancing intelligence-gathering capabilities to detect and disrupt the use of advanced weaponry such as drones and rockets.

The central government has already deployed additional paramilitary forces to Manipur in response to the recent escalation, but critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of civilians. The deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, such as drone detection systems, could help security forces better monitor the situation and prevent future attacks.

Key Learning Points

FAQ

1. What is the cause of the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur?
The conflict is primarily driven by disputes over land rights, political representation, and cultural identity between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

2. How has the violence escalated in recent months?
The conflict has escalated with the use of drones and rockets in attacks, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of property.

3. What steps has the government taken to address the violence?
The government has imposed an indefinite curfew in Imphal, deployed additional security forces, and initiated discussions on transferring control of the unified command.

4. How are civilians affected by the conflict?
Civilians have been severely impacted, with many killed or injured in the violence. Thousands have been displaced, and there is a growing humanitarian crisis in the region.

5. What is being done to resolve the conflict?
Civil society organizations and religious groups are calling for peace talks and reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The government is also working to strengthen security measures.

References (with full URLs)

1. The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indefinite-curfew-imposed-in-imphal-amid-protests-escalation-in-ethnic-violence/article67246878.ece
2. Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indefinite-curfew-imposed-in-imphal-amid-protests-escalation-in-ethnic-violence-101694637226517.html
3. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India – https://www.mha.gov.in

Sunil Garnayak

Sunil Garnayak is an expert in Indian news with extensive knowledge of the nation’s political, social, and economic landscape and international relations. With years of experience in journalism, Sunil delivers in-depth analysis and accurate reporting that keeps readers informed about the latest developments in India. His commitment to factual accuracy and nuanced storytelling ensures that his articles provide valuable insights into the country’s most pressing issues.