CHURACHANDPUR: A wave of protests has gripped Indian Manipur state’s border town of Moreh, as tribal women strongly opposed the recent deployment of “additional” police commandos in the region.
The ongoing protests, centered around Moreh, a town bordering Myanmar, have entered their third day, with tribal women staging a sit-in demonstration at Chikim village, located about 3 kilometers from Moreh in Tengnoupal district, a town primarily inhabited by the Kuki community.
Despite attempts at dialogue, including talks held by a commandant of the Assam Rifles and other security officials, the concerns of the protesting women have not been adequately addressed, leading to continued tensions in the area.
The deployment of additional police personnel from Imphal Valley into Moreh has sparked concerns among tribal organizations, particularly the Kuki Inpi and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU). They fear that this influx might disrupt the peace in their town.
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The COTU issued a statement expressing their reservations about the arrival of more Meitei police officers, alleging that recent operations in Imphal East district were conducted to unfairly malign their community. Furthermore, the Kuki Inpi has demanded the removal of checkpoints set up by Meiteis in Kakching Lamkhai and Wangjing areas along the Imphal-Moreh road. These checkpoints have allegedly obstructed the transportation of essential goods to Moreh and Tengnoupal sub-division, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Escalating Violence in Indian Manipur State
Ethnic tensions have been escalating in Manipur since the outbreak of violence on May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts. The march was organized to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The state’s population comprises approximately 53 percent Meiteis, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent and primarily inhabit the hill districts. Since the incident, over 180 individuals have lost their lives due to the escalating ethnic tensions in the region.
