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The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur continues to escalate, with tensions rising as Kuki-Zo groups prepare for a mass demonstration on Saturday, demanding a separate administration and protesting against alleged leaked audio tapes implicating Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the violence. The Manipur government has responded with a strong warning, stating that they will prosecute anyone who disrupts public order during the rally.
The Kuki-Zo groups, including the Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kuki tribe, and the Kuki Students' Organisation, claim that the leaked audio tapes provide evidence of CM Biren Singh's involvement in the ethnic cleansing of Kukis in Manipur. The government has dismissed the audio as fake, stating that it is an attempt to undermine the ongoing peace process.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. The conflict has also drawn in other communities, exacerbating the situation. Over the past ten months, over 220 people, including security personnel, have lost their lives, and more than 50,000 people have been displaced.
The Manipur government has taken steps to prevent further escalation of violence, with Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar issuing a public appeal urging businesses, government offices, and private institutions to remain open and operate normally during the rally. He has also instructed authorities to maintain law and order and take necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.
The government's stance reflects their concern about the potential for violence during the rally. In May 2023, a Kuki-organized rally turned violent, leading to attacks on Meitei villages and escalating the current crisis. The recent call by Meitei Leima, a women’s body of Khwairamband Ima Keithel, for a protest demanding Scheduled Tribes (ST) status for Meiteis and the withdrawal of ST status from the Kukis further highlights the deep-rooted tensions between the two communities.
The upcoming protest by the Kuki-Zo groups is a significant event in the ongoing conflict in Manipur. It reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the situation and the deep-seated grievances of the Kuki community. The government's response, while necessary to maintain law and order, highlights the delicate balance they are trying to achieve between ensuring security and addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict.
Source: Kuki-Zo bodies hold protest over alleged leaked audio of CM Biren Singh