Meitei marred by ethnic violence
Imphal: In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Kwatha Khunou, a resilient Meitei village situated in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, has succumbed to the relentless waves of ethnic violence that have plagued the region for the past 10 months. The village, nestled along the India-Myanmar border, became a tragic spectacle on March 10 (Sunday) night as houses, the Primary School, and the Health Sub-Center were engulfed in flames.
A senior police official, choosing to remain anonymous, disclosed, “The incident unfolded around 10:30 pm. Despite the rapid response of security forces attempting to control the fire, the entire village succumbed to the flames.”
This devastating occurrence has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage, propelling calls for swift action to apprehend the culprits and restore peace to the traumatised village. Political leaders, civic organisations, concerned citizens, and the affected public are united in their demand for justice for this heinous act. Collaborative efforts are underway to provide emergency relief and assistance to the displaced residents of Kwatha Khunou, while authorities diligently assess the extent of the damage.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, addressing the assembly, recently unveiled the grim toll of the violence. A staggering 219 lives lost and over 60,000 people displaced paint a grim picture of the consequences. The state government has registered approximately 10,000 FIRs, with 29 cases handed over to the CBI and one to the NIA for independent and transparent investigations.
This tragic episode traces back to the aftermath of the May 3 ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ organised by the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM). The march, opposing the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category, resulted in unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counterattacks, and arson in over 10 districts.
As the poor villagers mourns the loss and destruction in Kwatha Khunou, the urgent need for unity, justice, and reconciliation becomes paramount in the quest for lasting peace in Manipur. Meitei civil society bodies declares united stand with the victims and advocating for a future free from such tragedies
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