India’s northeast has been caught in the grips of chaos as ethnic violence continues to ravage the region. The latest reports indicate that there were multiple shootings and mob attacks across several parts of northeast India overnight. Since last month, more than 100 people have died as a result of the violence. Reports have also emerged about clashes between security forces and attempts to set fire to the homes of leaders of the ruling BJP. In addition, there were gunshots heard in Manipur overnight. The Kuki tribal group, mostly concentrated in the hilly regions of the province, has been clashing with the majority Meitei community settled in the valley. The violence began in early May, and it has already displaced over 50,000 people from their homes. The Indian government has not officially declared the death toll.
The conflict started after minority tribal communities demonstrated against the regional High Court’s proposal to include the Meiteis in the list of disadvantaged scheduled tribes, which would allow the predominantly Hindu community to gain access to quotas in education and government jobs allocated to disadvantaged groups in India. This has infuriated the minority tribal communities, including the mostly Christian Kukis.
The Indian government has formed a peace committee to try and bring an end to the hostilities. The committee comprises representatives from different ethnic groups in the state, ministers, and public personalities. However, both Kukis and Meiteis have criticized the composition of this body.
An Internet ban has been in effect in the area for over a month, and there are significant restrictions on communication channels in the region. This has limited access to real-time information about what is happening in the region.
The state is now stateless, according to retired Indian Lt. Gen. Nishikanta Singh. He tweeted his concern this week, saying that life and property could be destroyed anytime like what happened in Libya, Lebanon, Nigeria, Syria, etc. It seems Manipur has been left to stew in its own juice. Former Army chief Ved Malik reacted similarly. He expressed his concern over the law and order situation in Manipur and urged the government to take immediate action.
The situation in India’s northeast is critical, and authorities must take urgent steps to mitigate the violence.
