An act of barbarism

Konthoujam Yaiphaba Meitei *

Massive protests across Imphal, following gruesome death of 6 abducted individuals on Nov 16 2024 :: Pix - Kanta Lai

Since May 2023, Manipur has been reeling under a conflict that has torn apart communities, leaving behind stories of despair, bloodshed, and incomprehensible acts of cruelty. The Meitei and Kuki communities, once neighbours, are now embroiled in a cycle of violence so severe that it challenges the limits of human empathy.

What has transpired is not just an ethnic clash — it is an un- relenting saga of barbarism that questions the very fabric of humanity. Can we call this ongoing conflict a cold war, or has it become something far more horrifying ?

On November 11, an encounter in Jiribam’s Borobekra region led to the killing of 10 Kuki militants. According to reliable sources, this operation was a response to an attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp, where a CRPF soldier sustained injuries. While such military actions are tragic yet expected in conflict zones, what followed was a chilling descent into barbarism.

Killing Women and Children: A Line Crossed

A Meitei family—six civilian souls—became the target of Kuki militants’ rage. Among them were an infant, a two-year-old boy, and an eight-year-old girl. Their captors showed no hesitation. The family was brutally murdered in captivity, their lifeless bodies discarded like refuse into a river.

Such an act transcends the boundaries of conflict—it is an affront to humanity itself. What justification exists for killing a baby, whose only crime was being born into the “wrong” community ? The deliberate targeting of children signals a loss of basic moral compass and reveals the cold-blooded nature of the perpetrators.

In the face of such darkness, a glimmer of humanity emerged from the Meitei community. When they captured a Kuki individual, they chose not to retaliate with violence. Instead, they fed him, treated him with dignity, and ultimately released him unharmed. This act, though small, underscores that even amidst chaos, some still cling to the values of compassion and restraint.

Also, there were negotiations that led to the exchange of captured Meitei individuals for convicted militants, the fragility of peace remains evident. Dialogue seems to be a fleeting moment in a broader narrative of revenge. Yet, how long can such gestures endure in the face of relentless barbarism ?

The killing of women and children crosses a line that no conflict should ever breach. It is not merely an act of retaliation; it is a calculated strategy of terror, designed to shatter the morale of the other side. When an infant becomes a casualty of war, the perpetrators are no longer fighting for a cause—they are indulging in acts of pure malice.

What compels people to commit such atrocities ? Is it a loss of humanity born from generations of enmity ? Or has the conflict reached a stage where brutality is no longer an exception but the rule ?

The killing of children and women reveals a deep moral void and raises critical questions about the trajectory of this strife. Will this conflict spiral further into barbarism, or can a collective effort restore a sense of humanity ?

Manipur’s Plight: A Call for Reflection

Manipur today stands at a crossroads. The conflict has transformed the State into a cauldron of mistrust, revenge, and sorrow. Yet, amidst this, there is an urgent need to ask : what kind of future are we building ? Acts of barbarism such as these do not just harm individuals—they tear apart the social fabric, leaving wounds that take generations to heal.

The response must go beyond temporary curfew and political internet shutdown. This conflict demands genuine efforts for reconciliation, justice, and accountability. The people of Manipur must collectively reject barbarism.

The killing of the Meitei family, particularly the children, is a grim reminder of the depths to cruelty. It is a story that demands to be told—not just as an act of barbarism but as a call to action. Manipur’s people deserve better than this unending cycle of violence. Peace is not just an ideal; it is the only path forward. If humanity cannot rise above hatred in Manipur, it risks losing its soul altogether.

The region grieves, but grieving alone is not enough…..