IT News
Imphal, May 9:
The enduring conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur has brought to the forefront the vexing issue of resettling displaced individuals to their original homes. Recent reports indicate a contrasting scenario: while there are possibilities for displaced Kuki individuals to find resettlement in Imphal, significant hurdles obstruct the return of Meitei community members to Moreh, Kangpokpi, or Churachandpur.
This development underscores the intricate nature of the protracted crisis, which has persisted for over four months and necessitated stringent security measures to safeguard residents. However, avenues for dialogue and resolution remain uncertain, compounded by historical grievances and divergent conflict resolution approaches among Manipur’s diverse ethnic groups.
A pivotal episode in Manipur’s history, the clashes between the Naga and Kuki communities in the early 1990s culminated in an agreement brokered between the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Manipur government. This agreement, documented by the Imphal Times, committed to swiftly resettling displaced persons to their respective villages, among other measures aimed at restoring normalcy.
Notably, the principle of “Forgive and Forget” guided post-conflict dynamics for several tribes, including the Naga and Meitei communities. However, persistent challenges remain, particularly for the Meitei populace seeking to reclaim their homes in Moreh and Churachandpur. According to insights from a senior Naga leader, the resurgence of violence and opposition to resettlement stem from vested interests among non-indigenous Kuki groups, nurturing separatist ambitions.
Further complicating the situation, recent disclosures have spotlighted the government’s shifting stance towards the Kuki National Army (KNA), previously branded as a foreign-based extremist faction responsible for destabilizing Manipur. Despite prior acknowledgments of the KNA’s disruptive activities, both the Manipur and Indian governments legitimized the group in 2008 through the Suspension of Operation agreement.
With tensions persisting and the specter of displacement looming over both Kuki and Meitei communities, the road to reconciliation and sustainable peace appears elusive. The unresolved grievances and geopolitical intricacies underscore the imperative for inclusive dialogue and concerted efforts aimed at fostering long-term stability in Manipur.
