kuki-zo-leaders-seek-justice-oppose-pomp-at-pm-s-manipur-visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to strife-torn Manipur on September 13 has stirred mixed emotions, with Kuki-Zo bodies welcoming his presence but rejecting celebratory programmes planned for the occasion.

 

Several organisations representing the community said the visit could provide an opportunity to voice grievances, yet questioned the propriety of organising dance events while thousands remain displaced and hundreds continue to mourn.

 

The Imphal Hmar Displaced Committee, in a statement, argued that the prime minister should meet survivors of the year-long ethnic conflict rather than take part in ceremonial pageantry. “Our mourning is not yet over, our tears are not yet dried, our wounds are not yet healed, we cannot dance with joy,” the committee declared.

 

Echoing the sentiment, the Gangte Students Organisation in Churachandpur district said, “We can’t dance with tears in our eyes!” It nonetheless welcomed the prime minister’s likely visit, insisting that his presence could help people heal and bring their grievances to the fore.

 

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki community, stressed that the visit must “serve justice and recognition of the Kuki-Zo people’s collective aspirations.” It reiterated that the demand for a political solution was “clear and firm,” warning that temporary relief would not resolve deep-rooted concerns.

Also read: Kuki-Zos sign peace pact with Centre, promise calm in Manipur

 

On the other hand, some voices from the Meitei-majority Imphal valley saw the visit as a chance to share their struggles. “The prime minister’s presence in the state will offer us a platform to share long-standing grievances and how innocent villagers have been affected by the ethnic strife,” said Soibam Reagan, a resident of Imphal East.

 

Imagi Meira, a women’s group, urged the prime minister to ensure safe passage for Meiteis along the national highway and to instruct officials to address persistent security challenges.

 

Manipur has been reeling from ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The violence has left more than 260 dead and displaced tens of thousands, many of whom continue to live in relief camps.

 

The turmoil forced Chief Minister N Biren Singh to resign, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule. The state assembly, with a tenure until 2027, has been kept under suspended animation.