The Perils of Division in the Face of Meiteis’ Politics: Why Nagas’ Silence Only Strengthens Meitei Fascist Politics in Manipur

It’s confusing as to if Nagas of Manipur are too laid back or are too scared of Meitei in the current conflict, They seem to be either unaware of what awaits them or bootlicking Meiteis today won’t come to their rescue against Fascist politics of Meitei in the future. They themselves seem to be unaware of why the conflict happened in the first place, seeing how they fall in to the trap of Meitei divide and win politics of Meitei amongst tribal of Manipur.

The sole reason why Meiteis wage the war against Kuki-Zo today is their greed for tribal lands and the constitutional protection tribals in Manipur enjoys today. Waging the war against United Tribals is a task just impossible for them too. Thus they adopt divisive politics. It’s rather amusing that our tribal brothers couldn’t find the loophole on Meitei stance in this conflict. Their approach to debunk why they are rather the victims in Manipur is telling of how they actually feel about all tribals inhabiting in the state, not Kuki-Zo alone.

Their complaints include among others their inability to buy lands in the hills while tribals in Manipur could buy one in the valley. Thus my question is if today the Kuki-Zos can be forcefully exiled from the capital, how sure the Nagas of Manipur are that the same excuse will not be used against them? If Meiteis are to be given ST status, are Kuki-Zo the only community in Manipur who will be at the receiving end? Their demand for NRC with the base line of either 1951 or 1960’s is going to effect every community residing in Manipur. Thus it’s not a lone attack against Kuki-Zo. Border fencing impacts Nagas in the same way as it does the Kuki-Zos.

My tribal brothers in Manipur must remember today that they wage an ethnic cleansing against the Kuki-Zo but the goals they intend to achieve from this conflict affect all the tribals inhabiting in Manipur. The Kukis might be made the scapegoat, but Nagas’ interest are not safe either. As an example, their demand for the integrity of Manipur affects the Naga politics of Greater Nagalim as well.

Today Kuki-Zos are called illegal immigrants, tomorrow it can be you, Nagas who reside in Myanmar too. They can cite the same excuse which is abnormal population growth, which we know is hoax but many mainlanders believe the lie. With NSCN-IM and China nexus, they will try to get away with their atrocities as an internal security threat and foreign fund. If today they can convince mainlanders with their baseless conspiracy theory towards the Kukis despite no evidence of nexus with any country, yours will be tougher.

When they attack churches and desecrate our worship places, its not Kukis’ religion alone that they attack, its the Christian religion that they attack. Else why should they burn Meitei churches? Jesus is not for Kukis’ alone. Thus your ‘as long as my churches are safe’ attitude is rather incomprehensible. We as tribals and victim of Meitei atrocities, empathise when our Naga brethren are physically assaulted and abused by Meitei community and pitied your lack of spine to fight for your rights, but we respect your stance as it is your internal matter.

Biren’s minions and radical right wing Meitei sympathisers exist in every community. Thus I would like to remind that the frequent allegations and hostile approach towards the Kuki-Zo by my Naga brethren is serving Meitei interests than yours. The present status-quo of Manipur politics is not in the favour of tribals. Today you might be able to fill in most of the government employment vacancies, but remember to ask yourself for how long ? Thus, when there exist an issue or problem between the Kukis and Nagas, its only reasonable that we solve it amicably rather than giving the third party an edge.

The demand made by Senapati Students’ Organisation to remove Kuki officers is irrational and unconstitutional as-well. Any sane community will take the advantage and fill the void the Kuki officers left while they are presently made handicapped in the capital and valley district. The opportunity and perks available in the valley is beyond what is in the hills, yet here we are foolishly cutting the throat of each other which is benefiting the Meiteis alone. Thus, it is my sincere advise to my Naga brethren that to take their decision rationally and wisely and not emotionally and fearfully.

No one is safe untill everyone is safe. Today they come for Kuki-Zo. If you are too fearful to stand up for them don’t at least become their menace, for when they come at you tomorrow, there will be no one else to speak up for you.