The Kuki-Zo Council, representing Christian tribals, has lamented that widespread unrest and deep-seated ethnic divide, marked the situation in Manipur even during Christmas which is reckoned as time for peace and humanity worldwide.

In one of the latest statements, the Kuki-Zo Council’s secretary, information, Khaikhohauh Gangte has accused the valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) of relentlessly attacking members of the Kuki-Zo communities in the Seibol-Twichin area. This amounts to oppression of the minority Christian community and may be seen as an attempt to “destabilise and disenfranchise”. The attackers, Gangte claimed, include Meitei police commandos apart from VBIGs.

In this context it may be mentioned that after KZC noticed its existence was being officially challenged and the mainstream media, taking note of the official press release to that effect, went public about its formation.

After months of deliberations, KZC was established on October 11, 2024 at Lamka and its first general body meeting was held on December 8 at S Molnom village at Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi district. It acts as a common political platform for addressing shared political concerns and safeguarding interests of the community. It is the highest decision-making body of the Kuki-Zo kindred tribes, Gangte claimed.

The bullet injury sustained by a video journalist L Kabichandra on December 28 at Thamnapokpi village of Imphal East district evoked large-scale condemnation. The scribe was hit by a bullet “fired by armed Kuki militants”.

Senior officials of the state information department, civil society activists, All-Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, Editors Guild of Manipur and senior functionaries of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity deplored the attack.

Reports also indicated that armed Kuki militants have been targeting Meitei villages, such as, Sinam, Khongbal and Yaingangpokpi, near the foothills since December 24. In this case, too, the fact of fresh attacks being timed to coincide with the celebration of Christmas was condemned by the general public.

Citing the incidents, an editorial in Imphal Times of December 28 observed: “This raises troubling questions about the role of security forces, especially reports suggesting that Central forces have obstructed state police operations rather than assisting them. Such actions create the impression of a disjointed security strategy, or worse, point to a deliberate attempt to prolong the crisis for political motives.”

Will dawn of 2025 mean gradual return of normalcy and peace for the beleaguered people of Manipur? Will the 60,000 people forced to live in distress in relief camps be able to return to their places of residence at least in the course of 2025? Much will hinge on the proverbial healing touch and sincere start of reconciliation process between the Meiteis and Kukis.

Knowledgeable quarters in this context mention the Union government’s recent posting as Governor of immediate past Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, who had retired on August 22, 2024 after an innings of over five years. In the situation that has been obtaining in Manipur since May 3, 2023 (the day of the ethnic conflagration) Raj Bhavan’s role became important because of the ethnic divide deepening by the day and BJP chief minister N Biren Singh gradually losing grip over the administration.

Over a period of time, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emerged as a controlling factor in the functioning of the unified command. But the Centre has chosen so far not to disturb Biren Singh. The Manipur Raj Bhavan, too, became a specimen of a weak administration.

Even as Manipur burnt and people were killed, New Delhi opted for dual charge arrangement from July this year (Assam Governor was given additional charge). Bhalla’s appointment as Manipur Governor offers ample scope to read between the lines. He belongs to the 1984 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre of IAS and is, therefore, well versed in North-East affairs.

Bhalla also has first-hand knowledge of the matter and had the opportunity to hold many meetings and had presided over and attended several high-level meetings on the subject.

It is expected in Manipur administration circles that as Bhalla settles down in his new assignment, Amit Shah’s direct involvement with Manipur affairs will diminish. Moreover, any which way Bhalla finds it advisable, his role will require him to engage with tribal and non-tribal political leaders for starting the dialogue process.

Additionally, for making Chief Minister Biren Singh’s role meaningful, he will also have to see disgruntled BJP MLAs to fall in line and support the Chief Minister. Finally, should the situation compel the Union government to bring Manipur under President’s rule, Bhalla is there to play a larger role. (IPA Service)