Opinion | Northeast Diary
Tension has been running high especially in Kuki dominated Kangpokpi district today. Thousands of Kuki women took the streets, with the national flag, demanding fairness and transparency in dealing the Manipur crisis. However, the protest turn violent, leaving over 30 injured due to security forces charging them. The tense situation once again brought back the frightening memories of May 2023.
Today’s tense situation is an outcome of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah directives that highway must open by 8 March. This was a promise made after a crucial round of discussion with the Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Bhalla and other security establishments few days ago in New Delhi.
With the promise made, the Federation of Civil Societies (FOCS), a Meitei group proposed a plan of “Peace Expedition” to Kukis areas in the state. The state administration, as directed by the Union Home Minister, has taken up measures to ensure free movements from March 8.
However, the directive and promise made by the Union Home Minister was strongly opposed by Kuki groups. Several Kuki organizations have protested the move arguing that no such movement should be allowed until now, considering the volatile situation. Many would wonder why Kukis oppose free movement or are against peace. However, there are matters which one needs to understand whats really behind.
Some of the pressing concerns as to why Kukis oppose free movement will give readers a second thought. Kuki organisations argued that the situation and relationship between the two warring communities are far from over, and allowing free access to each other territories pose a greater threat to peace.
Violent attacks have halted for the past few months owing to the initiatives by the government. However, one must not confuse it with peace. The silence doesn’t promise peace. Situations will compel one to engage in killings if boundaries are not set. For the Kukis, the slogan such as free movement is a trap for continuous violence.
The other concern of Kuki group is that over 90% of the 6000 looted arms are still in the safe hands of Meitei militants. Until now, the recovered weapons are are largely homemade weapons. With this amount of sophisticated weapons still in the hands of Meitei militants, Kukis are left without option but oppose the free movements. Kuki organisation feels that peace must come from the warring communities.
However, the approach of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah seems more of an “imposed peace” terms. As frequently stated by Kuki organisations such COTU, KZC and ITLF, Justice must be a prerequisite for Peace. Peace without justice will bring no solution. Kukis demand goes beyond peace. Its Justice and Solution.
For the Kukis, therefore, resisting free passage for Meiteis does not reflect they are against Peace. The protest against free movement is rather a means to an end. It doesn’t seek short-term silence but an honorable solution which will be lasting. The job of the Government of India is to identify, arbitrate fairly and decide the future of the people. That alone will ensure permanent solution in Manipur.
