Delhi: Meitei Women Question Modi’s Silence on Manipur Violence

A group comprising 75 representatives from Manipur’s Meitei community protested at Jantar Mantar on Monday against the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state since May 3 and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence.

Known as “The Mothers of Manipur”, the delegates belong to the Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace of Imphal-based Khwairamband Ima Keithel, Asia’s largest all-women market.

Though the government has released no recent official figures, the group claimed that 150 people have been killed and another 500 injured in the violence.

The protesters held placards with the slogans “We want peace in Manipur” and “Why PM Modi Silent on Manipur issue?” The group also addressed the media at the Press Club of India in the Capital.

The delegates of the Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace of Imphal-based Khwairamband Ima Keithel address the media at the Press Club of India, New Delhi.

One of the women representatives H Chitra implored the Centre and Modi to take “prompt action to end the violence”.

“We are losing our young sons and daughters in the violence. The government should consider us as one of its own, empathise with us and take decisive action to stop the violence,” she said.

Chitra also highlighted the contentious issue of land rights, which triggered the violence. “The Meitei community is not eligible to buy land in hills whereas the Kukis can buy land anywhere in the state. This is the reason for the anger among the Meitei community,” she said.

The Meiteis have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, like the Kukis, which will, among other things, make them eligible to acquire land in hills. The demand triggered protests by the Kukis in early May, as they fear their rights would be restricted.

Another delegate Jona Begum questioned the government’s competency. “Despite Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to the state, the violence continues. It indicates that his visit was a total failure,” she said.

Prabha, a prominent committee member, told Newsclick that “the PM’s silence on the issue is deeply disturbing and shows a lack of commitment towards the people of Manipur”. 

“Why is PM Modi silent in the face of the worst clashes in Manipur? We have lost lives. The government announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for every family who lost a member. But will it bring back the dead?” she asked.

A committee member requesting anonymity said the “government’s silence has triggered rumours in both communities. Both have accused the government of helping the other community and being complicit in the riots. The Meitei community has alleged that the Assam Rifle is being misused to control the violence”.

The delegates said that a long protest would be held at Jantar Mantar if the government doesn’t act.