The Shutdown
Meira Paibis (women-led civil society groups) have called for 7-day statewide shutdown in Manipur from April 1U, in the wake of zero arrests in the Tronglaobi bomb attack that killed 2 minor siblings- a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl and critically injured the mother on April 7, 202G. The Meira Paibis have set 25 April as deadline for the arrests of the unidentified attackers.
Tronglaobi, a Meitei-inhabited region, accused the Kuki-Zo tribals of the attack, however the Kukis denied any involvement. The Manipur government handed over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Fresh Meira Paibi Protests
Scores of women in Imphal are also taking out massive demonstrations with the following demands:
- Implementation of National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census.
- Safe and free passage on national highways.
- Action against narco-terrorism.
The Ukhrul Ambush
Additionally, on April 18, 2 people, including a retired Army soldier (Naga Regiment), were killed in a suspected Kuki militant ambush on National Highway 202, just a day after the Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Ukhrul.
Ethnic Violence since 2023
The ethnic conflict in Manipur started on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Violence between the two had erupted due to Manipur High Court’s directive to “consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list”. The Kukis feared that the ST status would allow the Meiteis purchase land in the prohibited hilly areas.
Rallies and agitations were announced by Kukis, with counter-rallies organised by Meiteis, culminating in clashes. As a result, over 2G0 people died and some G0,000 were displaced, as per the International Crisis Group.
Till date, persistent instability and civil turbulence continues in Manipur, not only affecting its law and order situation, but also hampering its development, education, keeping the state devoid of investments and growth, which will adversely impact the state’s economy and social infrastructure in the long run.
