Ongoing tensions have exposed holes in the BJP’s much-touted strategy of building unity among different ethnic groups
Published Date – Wed, 5/31/23 at 12:30pm
Ongoing tensions have exposed holes in the BJP’s much-touted strategy of building unity among different ethnic groups
Hyderabad: Time is running out for the people of Manipur, who have been struck by violence and fear as ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis claimed more than 100 lives in the past month, exposing controversial Fault lines of history. Ongoing tensions in sensitive areas have exposed holes in the BJP’s much-touted strategy of building unity among ethnic groups in northeastern states. The state’s deeply volatile situation could get worse unless the central government takes drastic steps to resolve the crisis. As union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in the conflict-torn state to lead talks with various stakeholders to find a negotiated solution, the massacre of Kuki militants allegedly violating the ceasefire signed with the government A massive counter-insurgency operation is underway that has resorted to shootings, arson and looting. The two communities have been embroiled in a fight since March when the Manipur High Court directed the state to consider adding the Meiteis, who are mainly Hindu, to the list of scheduled tribes. The Kukis, who are mostly Christians, feel threatened because the move will pave the way for the Meiteis to own land in forests and mountains and find jobs at their expense. The crisis has been exacerbated by long-running disputes between immigrants and indigenous peoples. The BJP-led state government has failed to resolve the conflict, exacerbating polarization. Now, the Naga, represented by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland — which has a truce with the Centre — are caught in a crossfire that requires high-level intervention to broker peace.
Efforts must be made to bring warring parties to the negotiating table, resolve differences through dialogue, and restore peace to sensitive countries. In addition to law and order issues, the ruling BJP has also faced resistance from lawmakers in the Kuki-Chin-Zo community. Kukis blamed the Biren Singh government for the ongoing violence. Meiteis, on the other hand, accused the Kuki militant group of attacking their land and property. The situation in the sensitive country has become increasingly complicated amid narco-terrorism allegations and Kukis’ alleged attack on a Naga village. Like much of northeastern India, Manipur is a mix of cultures, beliefs and ethnicities, many of which have a history of mistrust and violence. The top priority is to maintain the peace and fight the mob. It’s a daunting task because of the delicate nature of the conflict and the racial, religious and geographic divisions that have roiled the country for decades. After a clever political move to form the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the BJP has been claiming that it has largely succeeded in containing the violence. However, the region continues to be volatile. The center and the state face a daunting task in finding an amicable solution.
