Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur this Saturday, his first visit since the ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The visit has been met with mixed reactions, with both communities welcoming the PM but differing on their requests.
The Kuki community is advocating for a separate state, hoping for their areas to be designated as a Union Territory. They emphasize that their demand is crucial for their peace, security, and survival. In contrast, the Meitei community is against this proposal. They believe that creating a state or citizenship based on community would divide the state. The Meitei community is instead pushing for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and address the issue of illegal immigration, believing it will help in correcting demographic imbalances within the state.
The Kuki community has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing situation, alleging that the Meitei community has been responsible for the loss of over 250 lives, the destruction of homes, temples, and churches. They also report that many people have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps, citing the Meitei community’s actions as the cause of their forced displacement.
Meanwhile, the Meitei community has expressed strong opposition to the Kukis’ demand for a separate state. They believe that this demand is fundamentally flawed and could potentially result in the fragmentation of the state. They are hopeful that the PM’s decisions will be guided by principles of equality, justice, and security. The Meitei organization called for the implementation of an NRC-like process in Manipur to address the problem of illegal immigration.
Differing opinions also exist regarding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The Kuki community supports it, whereas the Meitei community opposes it, viewing it as a potential source of escalated violence. The SoO agreement, signed in August 2008, aimed to start political conversations with Kuki insurgent groups and stop the violence. The arrangement is renewed annually, but has recently been annulled due to recent violence.
In a social media announcement, PM Modi affirmed his dedication to promoting the progress of Manipur and its citizens. He also mentioned the inauguration of road projects, national highway projects, women’s hostels, and other developmental endeavors. The PM will also be participating in various events in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar in the coming days.