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Key Points

Manipur is preparing to commemorate the second anniversary of a devastating ethnic conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023. The Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities will observe the day with separate events aimed at remembering victims and seeking peace. Over 250 people were killed and 70,000 displaced during the initial violence, which began after a tribal solidarity march. Despite ongoing tensions, initial peace talks have been initiated between community representatives and government officials.

Key Points: Manipur Ethnic Conflict Anniversary Meitei Kuki-Zo Remembrance

  • Deadly ethnic clash killed 250 and displaced 70,000 people
  • Communities organize separate commemoration events
  • First tripartite peace meeting held in April
  • President's Rule continues in Manipur
2 min read

Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribals to observe 2nd anniversary of ethnic conflict in Manipur tomorrow

Two years after devastating ethnic violence, Manipur communities mark somber anniversary with separate remembrance events highlighting ongoing tensions

"The decisions to be taken during the convention would reflect the will of the people and serve as a roadmap towards peace - Khuraijam Athouba, COCOMI Convenor"

Imphal, May 2

Both Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar community organisations would organise separate programmes on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of the outbreak of ethnic conflict in Manipur.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), one of the key bodies of the majority Meitei community, is set to organise a public convention at Khuman Lampak in Imphal on Saturday.

On Saturday evening, the COCOMI would hold a candlelight tribute to the martyrs and victims of ethnic violence at Kangla Nongpok Thong.

COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba said that leaders of various civil society organisations (CSOs), eminent personalities, scholars, intellectuals, Journalists, ethnic community representatives, violence-affected displaced persons, village volunteers and people from all walks of life are expected to participate in both the events.

According to Athouba, the convention is being convened to deliberate on the ongoing ethnic crisis and to adopt resolutions aimed at restoring peace and normalcy.

COCOMI has appealed to the public to attend the convention in large numbers and has urged citizens to refrain from regular activities on May 3 in solidarity with the cause.

"The decisions to be taken during the convention would reflect the will of the people and serve as a roadmap towards peace," Athouba said.

To observe the second anniversary of the outbreak of ethnic hostilities, various organisations of Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities would hold numerous programmes in the state, as well as in Guwahati, Delhi, and Bengaluru.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), one of the leading organisations of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals in Manipur, would mark the day as "Separation Day".

Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister.

The 60-member Manipur Assembly, which, after the promulgation of President's Rule, has been put under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.

Over 250 people were killed, 1500 injured, and over 70,000 people displaced after the ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo people on May 3, 2023, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March', organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The rioting also left thousands of houses, government and non-government properties, and religious installations destroyed or damaged.

In a bid to resolve the two-year-long ethnic hostilities, the first tripartite meeting between the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the representatives of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities was held in New Delhi on April 5.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking to see Manipur still suffering after 2 years. Both communities need to come together for peace talks. The candlelight tribute is a good initiative - we must remember the human cost of this conflict. Hope the Delhi meetings yield concrete results soon.
R
Rahul S.
The government should have acted faster to control the situation. 70,000 displaced people is unacceptable! Why does it take 2 years for basic dialogue to start? Northeast deserves more attention from Delhi.
A
Ananya M.
As someone with friends from both communities, this conflict pains me deeply. The "Separation Day" observation worries me - we should focus on reconciliation, not division. Manipur's diversity is its strength, not weakness 🙏
V
Vikram J.
The ST status demand seems to be at the root of this. Government must clarify its position clearly instead of letting tensions simmer. Also, social media rumors are making things worse - need better monitoring.
S
Sunita R.
My cousin is posted in Manipur with CRPF. Says situation on ground is much more complex than media shows. Both sides have genuine grievances. Hope the convention leads to practical solutions, not just political statements.
A
Arjun P.
While we focus on Manipur, let's not forget similar tensions in other NE states. Need a comprehensive Northeast policy that addresses tribal rights, development gaps and integration with mainland India. Jai Hind!

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