Mainland Indians Too Not Safe from Radical Meitei Armed Groups

A social media post on Facebook, of a Meitei combatant armed with sophisticated weapon, was widely circulated today. What is interesting is the caption, addressing parents from Meitei community, he posted: “Ngacdi Echan eche Ema singda khut thakhiba fubikhiba mayan(g) macha singdo laman singlambane nacha nabung naopa eikhoina koichen chellaga leihwrabane mayang macha singdo”, which roughly translates to “Your sons and brothers have today avenged the high handed acts of Mayang Macha [mainland Indians] on our mothers, sisters and women, they have been chased around.”

It must be noted here that ‘mayang macha’ is a derogatory - with a pinch of racial profiling - term used by Meiteis for mainland Indians and Non-Manipuri Hindus settling within the state. In the present case, it is used to mean the central security forces personnel deputed in the Imphal valley during the ongoing conflict.

Mention may be made that the central security forces posted in the Imphal valley have had a hard time controlling unruly mobs of radical youths and womenfolk who have time and again had multiple stand-offs and confrontations with the forces when and wherever it suits their communal motives. In their quest to control such mob, there have been instances of security personnel resorting to differing tactics of mob-dispersal- lathi-charge, mob-bombs, tear-gas shells, etc. The recent stand-off between radicalized Meitei combatants and the central forces in Imphal can thus be seen, amongst other reasons, as a revenge for the alleged atrocities of central forces personnel.

Dutiful personnel are profiled and derogatory terms used against them for carrying out their lawful duties by secessionist and radicalized youths of Manipur. Playing the Hindu card for the neutral Indians while also racial profiling of mainland Hindus is oxymoronic. This is just one of many instances wherein there is utter disregard for the job well done by central forces in quelling mob at various locations within the 700 sq. km of Manipur.

The Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun combatants have grown in confidence with the unconditional backing of CM N Biren, insurgent groups and their Titular King Sanajaoba who is also a Rajya Sabha MP. They have taken control of the “Law and Order” situation in Imphal valley. They can be seen flaunting their looted weapons, patrolling the streets, often in a stand-off with opposing forces, man-handling and handing out “correctional” acts and sentences to any and every individual or group that exposes them, thereby promoting themselves to be the real rulers of the Kukis’ death valley.

The central and state authorities, despite ample evidences (photos, videos, voice records etc) of proofs, are powerless or are rather the backing force behind such radicalised groups. No legal action whatsoever has been taken up against such groups and their acts. Where is Manipur heading? How does one then expect the Kuki-Zo community to reunite with the state when even the central forces, mostly Hindus from mainland India, are not safe, with threats of mortal retribution looming over their heads in carrying out their defined, lawful duties in the valley?

The only way forward is “total separation of administration for Kuki-Zo from the 700 square miles of Meiteiland (Manipur)” for everlasting peace in the Northeastern region.