IMPHAL: Today, Manipur commemorates a year since the eruption of ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
With over 200 lives lost, 60,000 individuals displaced, and countless others grappling with dire circumstances, the toll of the conflict weighs heavily on the state.
On this solemn anniversary, apex organisations representing the conflicting factions have unveiled disparate plans.
The Meitei’s Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced intentions to convene discussions under the banner of “365 Days of Chin Kuki Narco Terrorist Aggression in Manipur”.
Asserting that the conflict targets specific elements within the Kuki community, COCOMI aims to delineate its grievances while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Manipur’s integrity.
In contrast, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has designated the day as “Kuki-Zo Awakening Day”, symbolising a collective awakening among the Kuki-Zo people.
Encouraging introspection on principles of coexistence and historical narratives, KIM seeks to galvanise the community towards a path of self-reflection and unity.
Meanwhile, Thoubal Amasung Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL) has slated the occasion as “Manipur Solidarity Day”, urging citizens to express solidarity through symbolic acts of remembrance and support.
However, diverging from conciliatory gestures, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) have called for shutdowns in their respective districts.
Accompanied by displays of black flags as symbols of mourning and solidarity, these actions underscore the enduring wounds of the community and the quest for recognition of their grievances.
As Manipur grapples with the pursuit of justice amid simmering tensions, the anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reconciliation and a collective effort to break free from the grip of conflict.
