12-Hour 'Total Shutdown' Called in Kuki-Majority Areas of Manipur to Protest Arrests

In Manipur, a state already grappling with ethnic tensions, a major Kuki organization has called for a 12-hour "total shutdown" on Wednesday in the Kuki-majority areas. This shutdown is a direct response to the recent arrest of five individuals from the Kuki community, an act that the Kuki Inpi, a significant tribal body, deems as grossly unjust.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, stated that the shutdown would be enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Kuki Inpi emphasized that this decision was made during an emergency meeting, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The tribal body called upon all Kuki-Zo regional organizations to support the shutdown, urging them to express solidarity and stand united for their common cause.

The Kuki Inpi’s statement highlights a deeper concern regarding the security and safety of the Kuki-Zo people. The deployment of central security forces in vulnerable areas initially brought a sense of relief to the community. However, recent developments have shifted this perception. The arrest of two individuals in Jiribam and three more in Kangpokpi districts since Monday has sparked fears and concerns among the Kuki-Zo people. The tribal body alleges that the Imphal valley-based militant groups are openly carrying sophisticated arms, while the Kuki-Zo people face increasing terror and insecurity.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has created a highly volatile and sensitive environment. Both the Meitei community, primarily based in the Imphal valley, and the hill-based Kuki community have been at odds, each accusing the central forces of favoring the other group. Since May of the previous year, the violence has resulted in over 200 deaths and has left thousands homeless, further exacerbating the fragile situation.

Understanding the background of this conflict is essential to grasp the current developments. Manipur, a northeastern state of India, is home to a complex tapestry of ethnic groups. The Meiteis predominantly reside in the Imphal valley, while the Kukis and Nagas mainly inhabit the hilly regions. Historically, there have been tensions and conflicts among these groups over issues such as land, political representation, and cultural differences.

The Kuki community has often felt marginalized and discriminated against, leading to a sense of alienation and resentment. The recent arrests are perceived as yet another instance of injustice and bias against them. The call for a shutdown is not just a protest against these arrests but also a cry for recognition, justice, and fair treatment.

The situation in Manipur remains tense, and the shutdown on Wednesday will likely disrupt daily life in the Kuki-majority areas. It is a stark reminder of the unresolved ethnic tensions that continue to plague the state. The Kuki Inpi's call for solidarity and the enforcement of the shutdown reflects the community's resolve to stand against what they perceive as systemic injustice. As Manipur braces for another day of unrest, the hope for peace and reconciliation seems distant, overshadowed by the deep-seated ethnic divisions and ongoing violence.