IT Desk
Imphal, Aug 27:
Recent National media coverage, including reports by The Hindu, has labeled the armed Kuki groups as insurgents without adequately exploring their origins and motivations. This characterization has sparked significant controversy, as it appears to oversimplify the complex situation in Manipur.
According to local sources and Manipur activists, the Kuki groups were initially formed in the 1990s primarily as defense militias to protect their villages. These groups emerged not with the intent of challenging any political establishment but rather in response to threats against their communities. Their formation was a reactionary measure, not a revolutionary one, and they did not initially seek political power or engage in insurgency as defined by international laws.
Over time, these Kuki groups were reportedly organized and mobilized to counteract other insurgent factions, including Naga and Manipuri insurgents. This shift in their role was more about strategic realignment in the face of escalating conflict rather than an indication of their original intent.
The recent branding of these groups as insurgents by major media outlets raises concerns about potential biases and the implications for the broader conflict in Manipur. Activists argue that such mischaracterizations could be part of a larger strategy to fragment Manipur amid the current crisis. They emphasize that the region’s complex history, including the merger of Manipur with India in 1949 under specific agreements, necessitates a more nuanced and informed approach to reporting.
As the situation in Manipur continues to evolve, accurate and sensitive reporting is crucial to understanding the true dynamics at play and to prevent further exacerbation of tensions.
