Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur on Saturday, a visit that comes two years after escalating ethnic tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities. This marks his first visit to the state since the violence.
The Kuki community has expressed its support for the Prime Minister’s visit, but also raised the demand for a separate state, aiming for their areas to be administered as a Union Territory. They stress that this is a crucial step for the peace, security, and well-being of their people. The Meitei community, on the other hand, strongly opposes this demand. Instead, they are advocating for the use of a process similar to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and manage illegal immigration, which they believe will help correct demographic issues in the state.
The Kuki community has alleged that the actions of the Meitei community have led to the deaths of over 250 people, the destruction of homes, places of worship, and the displacement of many. They claim these actions have forcibly separated the Kuki people.
The Meitei community has expressed strong opposition to the Kuki’s demand for a separate state, believing it is fundamentally wrong and could lead to the division of the state. They are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s visit will result in decisions based on fairness, justice, and security. The Meitei organization has also called for the implementation of a process similar to the NRC to address illegal immigration in Manipur.
There are also differing opinions on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The Kuki community supports the agreement, while the Meitei community opposes it, seeing it as a potential cause for increased violence. The SoO agreement, signed in August 2008, sought to initiate political dialogue and end violence with Kuki insurgent groups. It is reviewed and renewed annually, but its extension was recently cancelled because of the recent violence.
PM Modi took to social media to announce his visit and his commitment to the development of Manipur and its people. He also mentioned the launching of various development projects, including road and highway projects and women’s hostels. Over the next three days, Modi will participate in events in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.