Latest news with #Manipur-based
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kuki, Meitei legislators urged to rise above politics to resolve ethnic conflict
Imphal, A Manipur-based civil society organisation has urged Kuki and Meitei legislators to rise above politics and take responsibility to solve the ethnic conflict in the state. Kuki, Meitei legislators urged to rise above politics to resolve ethnic conflict The organisation - World Meetei Council - acknowledged that "wrongs have occurred on both sides" and asked how long the people should continue to bear the pain. In a statement, the council said, "The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted for over two years and two months, with countless lives disrupted, families shattered, and communities divided. Despite several efforts, the Centre has not been able to bring about the desired resolution." The World Meetei Council asked Kuki and Meitei legislators "to rise above politics and take ownership of the crisis", and said the people were suffering the most. "Above all, the most crucial role now lies with our MLAs. You have the people's mandate. You must act. The Meitei and Kuki MLAs must engage with each other, not wait for external intervention. You must lead - because if our elected representatives do not act, then who will?" the Meitei organisation said. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. The central executive committee of the organisation met on Wednesday and held an in-depth discussion on the current situation in Manipur. WMC strongly believes that a single but meaningful step in the right direction can begin the journey towards normalcy, the statement said. Urging the authorities to open the Imphal International Airport to all citizens, the council said the Meitei community "must take the moral and social responsibility to ensure safety for all who arrive, regardless of community." It also said that the "national highways must be made accessible to all" and every community - especially the Meiteis and the Kukis - must ensure safe passage, free from violence and intimidation. "The recent gesture by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, in welcoming both Meitei and Kuki victims of the Ahmedabad air crash at Imphal Airport, is a positive and symbolic move in the right direction," it said. "We are destined to live together. Let time and collective effort show us the path to peace," it added. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tribal Ministry urged to delete 'Any Kuki Tribes' category from Manipur's ST list
Two Manipur-based organisations have urged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to delete the 'Any Kuki Tribes' category from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list in the State as it allegedly allows "foreigners to claim rights" of the indigenous people and "poses a threat to their land and resources". Also read: On delisting some Kuki-Zomi tribes in Manipur | Explained In a memorandum to the Ministry, the two organisations - Thadou Inpi manipur and Meitei Alliance - stated that "the appeal aligns with the official position of the Government of Manipur, which, following cabinet decisions on October 19, 2018 and January 2, 2023, formally recommended the deletion of 'Any Kuki Tribes' category. "The vague nature of 'Any Kuki tribes' (AKT) allows foreigners to claim tribal rights in Manipur. This poses a serious threat to land, resources, and constitutional privileges of pre-existing scheduled tribes," the two organisations claimed in the memorandum. They also alleged, "AKT has no unique language, separate cultural heritage, and geographical isolation, all of which are the basic criteria for Scheduled Tribe recognition under Article 342 of the Constitution of India. It fails every benchmark and only serves to sow ethnic discord and legal confusion." The two organisations also claimed that the category 'Any Kuki tribes' was inserted into the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur in 2003 through "politically motivated and non-transparent means". "Unlike any of the Scheduled Tribes of Manipur that are linguistically and culturally distinct, AKT is an ambiguous and arbitrary insertion without a legitimate basis. AKT is not accepted or recognised by any of the Scheduled Tribes of its existence has only exacerbated ethnic tension and undermined social harmony," the memorandum said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tribal ministry urged to delete 'Any Kuki Tribes' category from Manipur's ST list
Two Manipur-based organisations have urged the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to delete the 'Any Kuki Tribes' category from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list in the state as it allegedly allows "foreigners to claim rights" of the indigenous people and "poses a threat to their land and resources". In a memorandum to the ministry, the two organisations - Thadou Inpi manipur and Meitei Alliance - stated that "the appeal aligns with the official position of the Government of Manipur, which, following cabinet decisions on October 19, 2018 and January 2, 2023, formally recommended the deletion of 'Any Kuki Tribes' category. "The vague nature of 'Any Kuki tribes' (AKT) allows foreigners to claim tribal rights in Manipur. This poses a serious threat to land, resources, and constitutional privileges of pre-existing scheduled tribes," the two organisations claimed in the memorandum. They also alleged, "AKT has no unique language, separate cultural heritage, and geographical isolation, all of which are the basic criteria for Scheduled Tribe recognition under Article 342 of the Constitution of India. It fails every benchmark and only serves to sow ethnic discord and legal confusion." The two organisations also claimed that the category 'Any Kuki tribes' was inserted into the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur in 2003 through "politically motivated and non-transparent means". Live Events "Unlike any of the Scheduled Tribes of Manipur that are linguistically and culturally distinct, AKT is an ambiguous and arbitrary insertion without a legitimate basis. AKT is not accepted or recognised by any of the Scheduled Tribes of its existence has only exacerbated ethnic tension and undermined social harmony," the memorandum said.
Hindustan Times
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tensions in Manipur over arrest rumours of volunteers of Meitei outfit
Two journalists and a civilian were injured as tensions flared in Imphal city late on Saturday evening following unconfirmed reports of the arrest of five volunteers of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group, including one of the group's commanders, people familiar with the matter said. An irate mob stormed the Kwakeithel Police Outpost in Imphal West, demanding the immediate release of the arrested individuals. In response, security forces fired several rounds to disperse the crowd. During the incident, at least three people, including two journalists, sustained injuries. According to unconfirmed reports, the arrests were made at around 2.30pm by a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba was also seen at the scene, attempting to speak with senior security personnel regarding the situation. In a purported video circulated on social media groups, Leishemba could be heard saying, 'We tried very hard to bring peace. If you do such things, how will peace come? Arrest me along with the MLA....' There was not official statement from the Manipur police till the time of going to press. ALSO READ | Union Home secretary discusses border fencing, law & order situation with Manipur Governor Separately, officials in New Delhi said that the Union home ministry representatives will hold a meeting with representatives of Kuki-Zo militant groups, who are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the Centre. They are expected to meet in the national capital on Monday. This is the first general meeting since the pact was put in abeyance last year. While there was no confirmation from the MHA or the Manipur-based groups, a person aware of the details said all representatives from SoO will attend the meeting. 'All representatives from the SoO groups will be in Delhi. This is the first general meeting called by the MHA. We do not know if Manipur state administration officials will be present or not. It was a tripartite agreement between our groups, state government and Centre to suspend all operations from both sides,' this person said requesting anonymity. The tripartite SoO agreement was signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups in August 2008, and was renewed every year until February 28 last year when it was kept abeyance. The renewal process was halted after allegations against SoO group cadres indulging in the ethnic clashes in Manipur and training village defence volunteers — the groups have denied both charges. The person cited above said that over the last year, SoO groups have addressed some queries raised by the MHA. 'The ground rules for the pact were set to be revised so MHA has asked SoO groups many questions. All these were presented to the MHA. We expect something positive from the meeting,' the official added. The questions pertained to location of camps, the weapons that are in a double lock system and the need for having new camps. ALSO READ | Protest over 'Manipur' name removal on govt bus; Police fire tear gas, 8 injured While former chief minister N Biren Singh and his MLAs have demanded that the SoO agreement be cancelled, Kuki-Zo groups and their legislators have requested Centre to renew the pact. At the time of the signing of agreement in 2008, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF) agreed to cease any form of violence. The central and state governments also agreed that no force (army, paramilitary, or state police) would launch operations against the signatories as long as they abide by the terms of the agreement. However, the SoO was unilaterally suspended by the Biren Singh government on March 2023 — roughly two months before the ethnic clashes broke out — saying that some members of the groups were illegal migrants. The suspension, along with a Manipur high court order that directed the state to ensure Meiteis get the scheduled tribes status, are believed to be triggers for the violence that has roiled the state for over two years. A senior security official, who asked not to be named, said, 'Agencies have regularly given reports about the SoO groups. There have been cases of SoO militants being arrested in some cases of violence during the last two years. It is a critical issue. Whatever happens to the SoO pact will definitely have an impact in Manipur. They are influential and have a lot of clout among not just Kuki-Zo civilians but also their political leaders.' The earlier rules of the SoO pact directed cadres of the militant groups to stay in designated camps, with the routine administration of camps being handled by the groups. The rules also mandated that no more than 20% of cadres will be allowed to leave the camp at any given time. State government and joint monitoring group (JMG) members were to conduct inspections at the camp to check for violations. All weapons were to be held within the camp's armoury in a double locking system, with one key being with the group and other with the concerned security force.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shirui flag row: Meitei group rejects provocation claims
1 2 Imphal: Following widespread condemnation by Manipur-based Tangkhul Naga organisations regarding the display of Meiteis' seven-coloured flag (Salai Taret) and raising of slogans atop Shirui hill peak by members of Arambai Tenggol, the Meitei organisation on Saturday said that misleading content on social media had created unnecessary confusion. Arambai Tenggol issued a statement indicating that Tangkhul Naga apex student body Tankhul Katamnao Long (TKS) had been influenced by incorrect information distributed by the Facebook page 'Manipur Stylish'. The controversy erupted after a photo went viral on Friday night, showing Arambai Tenggol members in traditional attire holding the Meiteis' seven-coloured flag while raising slogans such as 'Long live Manipur' and 'Mother Shirui be blessed.' "In sensitive matters such as this, we believe it is imperative to verify the authenticity of sources before arriving at hasty conclusions. Misinterpretation of such events only fuels division, and it is evident that certain elements are working with the intent to disrupt peaceful coexistence between the Meitei and Naga communities," Arambai Tenggol Unit 58 COBRA stated in a press communiqué. The organisation emphasised that Shirui Lily represents the entire state's identity rather than a specific community, noting that the event was officially organised by the Manipur govt with participants engaging in cultural celebrations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo Arambai Tenggol, supporting a unified Manipur and committed to maintaining the state's territorial integrity, stated that the image showing members with the 'Salai Taret' flag is being overly politicised. "Displaying this flag in Shirui Hills does not, and should not, be construed as a territorial claim or provocation. Just as carrying the flag in the United States, Europe, or the Himalayas does not imply ownership of those regions, its presence here signifies cultural continuity, not confrontation," it added. The organisation urged TKS and others to consider the video's context objectively, clarifying that their intention was to support traditions peacefully rather than cause offence. The GPRN's Wung-Tangkhul Region secretariat condemned Arambai Tenggol's Cobra Team Unit 58's actions during the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. On Saturday, WTR criticised the group's display of the 'Salai Taret' flag on Shirui peak, describing it as an intrusion into Tangkhul territory. "The 'Salai Taret' flag has no cultural, historical, or political association with the Tangkhul people," the statement asserted, adding that such acts only reflect Arambai Tenggol's 'war-mongering' nature. WTR demanded a public apology from Arambai Tenggol within 48 hours, warning of consequences otherwise. Previously, TKS called the act provocative and disrespectful to Tangkhul Naga identity and territory. "The Shirui Lily Festival is a solemn celebration of our rare endemic flower, our land, and the enduring spirit of the Tangkhul Naga people," the TKS said adding that such act is a 'symbolic aggression in sacred Tangkhul territory is a calculated attempt to disrupt peace and politicise a neutral cultural platform." TKS disputed the seven-coloured Meitei flag's representation of Manipur, affirming their commitment to the sky-blue Naga flag as their symbol of political aspirations. "We will not tolerate any attempt to politicise our sacred spaces or challenge the historical and cultural ownership of our land," the student union warned.
