ISLAMABAD: Disturbing reports from India’s Manipur state reveal an ongoing wave of ethnic cleansing targeting tribal people. At least 68 tribal individuals have been confirmed dead, with an additional 50 or more still missing.
Shockingly, approximately 222 churches have been burned down, alongside 73 administrative buildings and quarters, according to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, a coalition of recognized tribes in Churachandpur District, Manipur.
The forum accuses the Manipur State Government and Manipur State forces of carrying out continuous acts of ethnic cleansing since May 3, 2023. Tribal villages have been systematically set ablaze, and innocent tribal people have been mercilessly murdered. The scale of destruction is extensive, with 115 villages burned and over 4,000 houses reduced to ashes. The number of injured tribal individuals is alarmingly high.
The tribal villagers, lacking adequate means of defence, have had their meager weapons, such as single barrel guns and licensed firearms, confiscated by the army, rendering them defenceless against the onslaught of the “state-led machinery.”
Strongly condemning the actions of the Manipur State Government forces, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum urgently appeals to the Central Government and central forces to deploy additional personnel to protect the endangered lives of innocent tribal villagers. The forum also demands the immediate imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur and the dismissal of the N Biren Singh-led Government.
Reports suggest that two synagogues and a Torah scroll were burned down during the violence. Additionally, 210 homes belonging to the Bnei Menashe community, a group tracing their heritage back to the ancient Israelites, were destroyed. The community members aspire to relocate to Israel.
Shoot-at-Sight Orders in India’s Manipur State
Amidst the chaos, the army has relocated nearly 9,000 individuals from districts affected by violence to safer areas. Shoot-at-sight orders have been issued by the state governor to local authorities, allowing district magistrates to take action against protesters in extreme cases.
Thirteen prominent Manipur sportspersons have vowed to return their medals and awards unless peace is swiftly restored in the state. Among them are Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian women’s football team captain Oinam Bem Bem Devi, boxer L. Sarita Devi, Olympian judoka Likmabam Shushila Devi, and boxer L. Ibomcha Singh.
On Tuesday, an eight-point memorandum was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Imphal, urging stern action against the groups responsible for the violence.
In another development, a petition has been filed before the Supreme Court, challenging the internet ban in Manipur and seeking an interim directive to restore internet services in the region, except in areas experiencing violence and unrest. Advocate Chongtham Victor and proprietor of MK Enterprise, James Mayengbam, argue that the statewide internet shutdown imposed since May 3 has severely impacted their lives and livelihoods.
