Meitei Centric Manipur Govt. Averse to Developmental Works; KUKI Chief’ Association Raises Concern

The state sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kukis in Manipur has now reached its tenth month. During this violent conflict, all lifelines essential for the well- being of the Kuki community has been abruptly cut-off.

The Kukis, unlike the Meiteis, have inhabited various hill districts which make it hard for them to communicate during these hard times. The violent conflict often disrupts communication networks, making it difficult for people to stay in touch with their loved ones, access vital information, or seek help in emergencies.

The state sponsored violence rendered transportation infrastructure unusable, cutting off access to essential goods, services, and resources. Roads may become unsafe due to conflict-related dangers such as checkpoints, roadblocks, or attacks on vehicles. Connecting one district to another district has become a daunting task.

In summary, violence during war cuts off essential lifelines by disrupting communication, transportation, healthcare, food security, shelter, livelihoods, and psychosocial well-being. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to protect civilians, uphold humanitarian principles, and facilitate access to lifesaving assistance in conflict-affected areas.

Keeping in mind the importance of connectivity, the locals of Gunpi area in Chandel district tried to construct a temporary bridge over the Imphal river between K. Molnom and Khawlmuol village in order to facilitate better connectivity services between the two districts – Chandel and Churachandpur.

However, the proposed developmental work has been opposed by the Meitei centric Manipur government in the form of a Directive issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel.

Chandel DC Mayanglambam Rajkumar has directed all concerned that such preparation for construction of a bridge in/near the security sensitive zone without the authorization of  competent authority shall be immediately stopped. Law enforcement agencies including the Assam Rifles, in aid of Civil Authority, shall stop such illegal construction. He further warned that appropriate legal action will be taken against those who disobey the compliance of his direction. In regards to this, the Kuki Chief Association Gunpi Area (KCAGA) has written to the local MLA SS Olish requesting her for cancellation of the directives of Deputy Commissioner Chandel, Direction Vide No. 3/Home/3(2)-L&O/DC (CDL) dated Chandel, 21st March, 2024.

The Chief Association argued that since the outbreak of state sponsored ethnic cleansing in Manipur all the life-lines of Kukis in Manipur have been abruptly cut-off. The general public has no other option/alternative other than constructing the bridge over the said river between the aforementioned villages, which are about 5 km from the security sensitive zones as claimed by the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel.

The association reminded the local MLA that they submitted a memorandum to her good office regarding construction of a Kaccha Bridge in public interest and that they are still waiting for her positive response till now.

In fact, considering the urgency of accomplishing the work before the setting in of monsoon, the KCAGA have already started the work with humble assistance they could mobilize voluntarily. However, to their dismay the Deputy Commissioner, Chandel issued the direction restricting all forms of works related with the construction of the bridge stating that the proposed bridge is close to the security sensitive zone of Sugnu/ Serou area.

The Chief Association however clarified that K. Molnom is actually not an affected village and it lies beyond the said sensitive zone as such the KCAGA could have taken up the said works with the support of all concerned civil society organisations of the community. There is no question of possible unrest and adverse security situation for constructing the said bridge which is the only viable means for survival of the area public in terms of transporting daily essential commodities for the war victims and the displaced ones. The construction is recommended and supported by all the civil society organisation/CSOs of the area in the interest and welfare of the displaced war victims of Gunpi Area, Chakpikarong, Sub-Division, Chandel district, Manipur in line with DC/CDL order vide no. 3//HOME/3(2) L&O/ DC/(CDL) GOMoffice of the DC, CDLDt. 2nd November 2023 and others.

“Regarding the adverse security situation as pointed out by your esteemed office there is no room for adverse security apprehension as enough central para- military forces and state forces are posted at many places on both sides of the Imphal river (Chandel & Churachandpur). To be specific security personnel are posted at UkonThingkangphai, Senam Thingkangphai, L. Thinglhangphai, Y. Thingkangphai, Chakpi Molbem and V. Haipijang from Chandel district side and from Churachandpur district at New Bijang, Khaokawl and Zalenkot. The exact location of the work site is far away from the so called sensitive zone and therefore there would not be Law and Order problems in the location as alleged by the concerned civil administration of the district. Under the aforementioned circumstances it is requested that your esteemed office appreciate the samaritan works taken up by the CSOs of the area for alleviation of the hardships being faced by the war victims and displaced persons currently by withdrawing DC/CDL order of the 21st March, 2024 on humanitarian ground, otherwise it tantamount to human rights violation.”, the statement reads.

The public in the area has resented the DC directive which ordered the cancellation of constructing a temporary bridge as this proposed bridge is going to be constructed purely from public donation. The DC Chandel has been oppressive to the war displaced people of this area. He did not even recognize the Relief Camps set-up in the area, sidelining the people of the area and blatantly ignoring their hardship.

The DC directive is inhumane as the proposed bridge is going to be constructed between Bijang Police Outpost and Khaukual IRB post and the distance between the two villages is not even half kilometer. The bridge is supposed to be only for light vehicles.

If this conflict has taught us  anything,  it  is that connectivity is absolutely necessary—for communities in the two districts and Manipur. For those who have access, connectivity is considered a tool for surviving a conflict. However, depriving people of this facility itself is a crime as the bridge will serve as a connecting link between the same communities from different districts. It is the duty of the government to construct and facilitate transport facilities for the deprived people. Yet, on the contrary it is the government who tries to disrupt the only viable option the local people have envisaged for better transport facilities. This indeed once again solidifies the accusation leveled against the Manipur state government of engineering state sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kukis.