Security Tight In Manipur As Bandh Observes Two Years Of Ethnic Violence

Guwahati: The frontier state of Manipur on Saturday observed a spontaneous bandh to commemorate the second anniversary of ethnic violence.

The "Coordinating Committee on Meitei Integrity" (COCOMI) had called for a bandh in the valley districts, while the "Zomi Students' Federation" (ZSF) and the Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) organized the bandh in the hilly districts.

It is significant that the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities began on May 3, 2023. Since then, more than 250 people have been killed, and nearly 1,500 others have been injured in the clashes. The violence has also caused the displacement of over 76,000 people, who were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge at shelter homes.

The shutdown affected both the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and the Kuki-majority hilly areas, disrupting normal life.

Police said that due to the shutdown, shops, markets, business establishments, government and non-government offices, banks, and educational institutions were closed, while most vehicles, except those of security forces, remained off the roads.

To commemorate the anniversary the civil society groups organized several events to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the conflict. In Imphal, a candlelight procession has also been planned to honour the victims. In Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, the Kuki community marked a "Day of Separation," calling for the creation of a separate region. COCOMI organised the "Manipur People's Convention" at Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, urging people to join the public gathering.

Meanwhile the Congress party targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday over the ongoing violence in Manipur, stating that the situation has not improved despite the Centre extending President’s Rule to the state.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Prime Minister, saying, “Manipur observes two years of violence without the Prime Minister setting foot on its soil.” He highlighted that the violence began on May 3, 2023, and continues to this day, with 25 persons injured in a recent clash.

Mr Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, noting that since January 2022, Modi has made 44 foreign visits and 250 domestic visits but has not visited Manipur.

He also asked, “Why this apathy and disdain for the people of Manipur? Where is the political accountability?” He criticised the government for failing in its constitutional duty to provide security and safety, pointing out that the demand for President’s Rule came from the people of Manipur themselves.

Mr Kharge further accused the government of incompetence, stating, “Your ‘double-engine’ government failed to provide security, and your ‘double assault’ government is still failing Manipur.” He expressed frustration over the continued violence despite the Home Ministry’s rule and questioned the late-night passing of the President’s Rule resolution.