Second anniversary and echoes of wounded Kangleipak

Takhellambam Nepolin *

Manipur People's Convention on 2 Years of Manipur Crisis at Khuman Lampak on 3rd May 2025 :: Pix - Derick Khuman

As the calendar turns to May again, the people of Manipur are reminded of a day that changed their lives - May 3rd, 2023. To-day marks the second anniversary of the eruption of violence in the land of Kangleipak (Manipur). This conflict shattered lives, tore communities apart, and left behind wounds that still bleed silently.

The conflict began in the aftermath of a Solidarity Rally organized by the All-Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) in opposition against the demand of the Meitei/ Meetei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.

What began as a peaceful demonstration in Churachandpur town turned violent by mid-morning. By 11 am, the flames of chaos engulfed the town, and soon, the violence spread, marking the beginning of a prolonged and tragic ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The rally's stated purpose was to show solidarity against the Scheduled Tribe (ST) demand.

However, in the days that followed, the Meitei community became the main target of attacks. This raised a critical and uncomfortable question that still lingers today: Why was the violence so one-sided ? And what is the connection between the Kuki community's demand for a Separate Administration and this ongoing conflict ?

The Naga community, which also expressed opposition to the Meitei ST demand, did not become entangled in the conflict. Their absence from the violence suggests a deeper, more sinister orchestration - this was not merely a reaction, but a pre-planned conflict.

Two years on, the conflict has left a devastating legacy. Thousands of people have been displaced, living as refugees in their homeland. Countless lives have been lost, families torn apart, and a society once known for its cultural richness now bears the scars of division and hatred.

Though the sound of bombs and bullets may no longer echo through the hills and valleys of Manipur, a more haunting echo remains - the cry of mothers, the grief of the displaced, and the silence of children who've seen too much. The psychological trauma runs deep, affecting not just individuals but the very soul of Kangleipak.

Another stark and unsettling reality of this ongoing conflict is the blockade of key National Highways by Kuki groups, most notably the complete restriction of movement for Meitei people. For nearly two years now, Meiteis have been unable to travel freely along these lifelines. This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a direct assault on freedom of movement and a symbol of governance failure.

Despite multiple instances of road blockades and threats, the State and Central Govts have failed to restore access and safety on these highways. The Govt's inability to act decisively - whether to ensure secure passage or to uphold the rule of law - raises serious questions. Is this silence and inaction a green signal to lawlessness ?

When the State can no longer protect the lives and property of its people, citizens are left with no option but to defend themselves. This is precisely why village volunteers - many of them ordinary civilians - have taken up the responsibility to guard their homes and communities. The Biren Singh Government failed to uphold its Constitutional duty.

But equally disheartening is the failure of President's Rule in Manipur. When the Governor ordered the surrender of all arms, weapons were collected mainly from the valley areas, while armed groups in the hills refused outright, even stating publicly that they would not disarm.

Yet, despite this defiance, no action has been taken, and the Governor remains silent. Adding to this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah himself acknowledged and instructed the Governor to ensure free and safe movement on the highways. But the very first attempt at such a movement ended in violent clashes, after which no further efforts were made.

This too stands as a visible failure of President's Rule and the Central administration's handling of the crisis. When the rule of law is replaced by selective enforcement, when one community is left to defend itself while the other defies the State without consequence, and when Constitutional rights become negotiable, it is not just a conflict zone, it is a governance vacuum.

May 3rd is no longer just a date - it is a memory etched in pain, a reminder of betrayal, survival, and resilience. It has become a symbol of everything Manipur has endured and continues to endure.

As we observe this grim second anniversary, we must not allow time to numb us to the suffering. The call for truth, justice, and peace must grow louder. Manipur cannot afford to forget, and the world cannot afford to look away.

The land of Kangleipak is wounded, but it is not broken. Its people not only carry the burden of sorrow, but also the spirit of resistance and hope. One day, the echoes of pain will be replaced by songs of healing - but that day can only come when justice is delivered, and peace is restored.