“Getty Images reports that approximately 59,000 individuals are still residing in government relief camps in Manipur, India. Over a year has passed since a deadly ethnic conflict devastated homes and claimed the lives of more than 220 people in the northeastern state. Despite this, the over three million residents of Manipur are still awaiting peace.
The conflict erupted between the majority Meitei and indigenous minority Kuki groups in May last year, triggered by Kuki protests against Meiteis’ demands for official tribal status. This status would make them eligible for affirmative action and other benefits. The violence displaced tens of thousands, with around 59,000 people still living in relief camps. The state is now divided, with Meiteis in the Imphal Valley and Kukis in the surrounding hill areas, separated by borders and buffer zones guarded by security forces.
Efforts have been made by federal and state officials to end the conflict through peace talks, but tensions persist. Distrust between the two groups remains high, and incidents of violence, including attacks on security personnel, continue to occur.
Both communities blame each other for fueling the violence. The state government and Meitei community attribute the conflict to illegal immigration, particularly from Myanmar, while the Kuki community believes this narrative is used to target them within Manipur.
The situation in Manipur remains tense and full of mistrust, with no resolution in sight. Locals emphasize the need for trust-building between the communities to achieve lasting peace. The conflict has left many individuals and families devastated, with some forced to flee to neighboring states for survival.
Despite efforts by the government to restore normalcy, experts warn that mistrust between the communities has deepened, with the Kukis demanding a separate administration that the Meiteis oppose. Building peace in Manipur is described as a painful and slow process, contrasting the ease of resorting to violence.” Según el Sr. Hazarika, “Si el centro [gobierno federal] logra llevar a ambas partes a la mesa, será un paso en la dirección correcta”. Sin embargo, advierte que este proceso no será rápido. “La curación necesita tiempo y paciencia antes de que realmente puedas avanzar”. Con aportes de Dilip Kumar Sharma en Mizoram.