Imphal: The Kuki community in Manipur has reiterated its demand for peace in the state, following a series of violent clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 3. The clashes have claimed at least 105 lives, injured more than 300, and displaced over 40,000 people.
A day after the Centre constituted a peace committee in Manipur, most representatives of Kuki community said that they shall boycott the panel as it included chief minister N. Biren Singh and his supporters. Pointing out that their consent was not taken for including the members on the panel, they demanded that central government makes the situation conducive.
The Kuki community has accused the Meitei community of initiating the violence, and has demanded that the Manipur government take immediate steps to bring the situation under control. The community has also called for the imposition of President’s rule in the state.
The Manipur government has said that it is committed to restoring peace in the state, and has deployed additional security forces to the affected areas. However, the violence has continued, and there is growing concern that the situation could spiral out of control.
The Kuki community has a long history of conflict with the Meitei community. The two communities have different cultures and languages, and have been competing for resources and political power for centuries. The violence in recent weeks is the latest in a series of clashes between the two communities.
The violence in Manipur is a reminder of the challenges of maintaining peace in India’s northeast. The region is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, many of which have a history of conflict with each other. The central government has made some efforts to address the root causes of conflict in the northeast, but much more needs to be done.
The Kuki community’s demand for peace is a welcome step. The violence in Manipur has had a devastating impact on the lives of thousands of people. It is important that the government takes all necessary steps to bring the situation under control and to prevent further violence.