Imphal: In the wake of ethnic violence in Manipur, empty Meitei villages in the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district are being targeted by miscreants. This alarming trend of land and property grabbing was recently thwarted by Manipur police. Following a report that market vendors had gathered in the Khumujamba area of Churachandpur District, police promptly intervened, clearing the area and detaining 24 individuals who were later released on PR bond. A static police team has been stationed at Khumujamba to prevent further incidents.
The police have affirmed their commitment to securing the area from illegal activities and encroachment, adhering to Supreme Court guidelines.
A letter from the Khumujamba Meitei Leikai Patta-Dar (Land Owner) Association to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, dated April 17, 2023, highlights the harassment faced by the minority Meitei community in Churachandpur. This document, accessed by “Organiser Weekly,” reveals long-standing ethnic and religious tensions that have exacerbated the current crisis.
Key concerns outlined in the letter include: Land Ownership Restrictions: The Zenhang Lamka Village Authority, a Kuki body, has imposed restrictions on land transactions within its jurisdiction, creating distress and insecurity among Meitei villagers.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Meitei villagers are required to obtain consent letters from the Chief of Zenhang for essential documents like domicile, birth, death, and income certificates, leading to unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
NREGS Exclusion: Households not paying hill house tax are excluded from the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) benefits, impacting their livelihoods. Mostly Meiteis in the hill areas were deprived of the central government welfare schemes.
Development Delays: All government development works must be approved by the Zenhang Chief, causing delays and hampering village development.
Healthcare Disparities: Meitei residents of Khumujamba Meitei Leikai, one of the oldest villages in the district, are excluded from the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011, depriving them of crucial healthcare support and other government health schemes.
Historical Significance and Current Plight: Khumujamba Meitei Leikai, established between 1953 and 1965, is home to over 200 households and more than 1,500 residents. Despite its historical significance, the village faces neglect and discrimination from local authorities. The village was never given government recognition for being a Meitei village in a Kuki-dominated district. The recent outbreak of violence on May 3rd forced many residents to flee for their lives, leaving their properties vulnerable to illegal occupation. Those unable to escape suffered brutality and, in some cases, death.
Police Action and Future Measures: The deployment of a static police team in Khumujamba is a critical step towards preventing further land grabs and ensuring the safety of returning villagers. The police are committed to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnic background.
As the situation in Manipur remains tense, it is imperative for authorities to address the underlying issues of discrimination and harassment faced by the Meitei community to prevent further violence and ensure lasting peace. The ethnic violence in Manipur has brought to light the deep-seated issues of land ownership, bureaucratic hurdles, and social exclusion faced by the Meitei community in Churachandpur. Immediate and sustained efforts by the government and law enforcement are necessary to protect vulnerable populations and restore order in the region.
