Kuki-Zo MLAs Accuse Centre of Misleading Supreme Court in Manipur Crisis!

In a sharp escalation of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, ten Kuki-Zo legislators, including members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), issued a statement on November 10, 2024, accusing the central government of presenting false information to the Supreme Court regarding Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s efforts to restore peace in the state.

The MLAs claimed they had neither met nor intended to meet Singh, whom they accuse of being the “mastermind” behind the violence that has rocked Manipur since May 2023.

The legislators’ statement came in response to a submission made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in the Supreme Court on November 8, asserting that Chief Minister Singh was engaged in efforts to bring peace by meeting with Kuki-Zo representatives. “This submission is a blatant lie and tantamount to misleading the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India,” the Kuki-Zo MLAs said, rejecting the notion that any peace-building dialogue had taken place between them and Singh.

Kuki-Zo MLAs Accuse Centre of Misleading Supreme Court in Manipur Crisis — Supreme Court of India

An Unyielding Divide and Calls for Accountability
Since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, Manipur has been gripped by an ethnic conflict primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, driven by long-standing grievances and accusations of discrimination and territorial encroachment.

icebergs floating in the water near a body of water

While the Meiteis constitute a significant portion of the state’s population and predominantly inhabit the Imphal Valley, the Kuki-Zo community largely resides in the hill districts. What initially erupted over the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status has spiraled into a full-scale ethnic conflict, with casualties, destruction of property, and deepening distrust.

In the joint statement, the Kuki-Zo MLAs criticized what they perceive as the government’s reluctance to address the root causes of the conflict and their grievances against Chief Minister Singh.

They hold him responsible for instigating violence and fostering an environment of ethnic animosity. The legislators also cited the recent killing of a Kuki-Zo woman, Zosangkim Hmar, on November 7, describing her death as part of an ongoing campaign of “ethnic cleansing” that they attribute to Meitei militias.

The statement underscored the MLAs’ growing frustration with the Centre, not only for allegedly misrepresenting facts but also for failing to hold accountable those they claim are complicit in the violence. The legislators voiced strong condemnation of Solicitor General Mehta’s submission, calling it “unprofessional” and accusing him of presenting arguments “without cross-checking the facts.”

Supreme Court Demands Evidence, Seeks to Verify Allegations
The Supreme Court, which has been hearing a petition filed by a Kuki organization, has expressed its concerns over the allegations against Chief Minister Singh. During the November 8 hearing, the court requested that the petitioners submit audio recordings or other evidence to substantiate their claims that Singh was directly involved in inciting and organizing violence. This move indicates the court’s intent to scrutinize the accusations closely, reflecting a serious engagement with the gravity of the situation.

In an oral submission, Solicitor General Mehta defended the government’s actions, stating that attempts to restore peace in Manipur have been pursued “at a huge cost.” However, Mehta’s claims of Chief Minister Singh’s outreach to Kuki-Zo representatives were quickly rebutted by the legislators, intensifying public scrutiny over the government’s approach to quelling violence in Manipur.

The Role of Security Forces and Rising Community Tensions
The Kuki-Zo MLAs’ statement also raised questions about the role of security forces deployed in the violence-hit regions. Despite a heavy presence of security personnel in conflict-prone districts, reports of attacks and killings continue to emerge, fueling accusations of insufficient or biased policing.

For instance, the recent killing of Zosangkim Hmar in Jiribam district, despite security deployments, has sparked criticism that security forces have not effectively prevented violence against vulnerable individuals and communities.

The Kuki-Zo legislators argue that the systemic issues driving the violence, including deep-seated ethnic divisions and allegations of governmental bias, remain unaddressed. As ethnic tensions show little sign of abating, the community leaders’ confidence in a swift and peaceful resolution appears to be eroding.

Political Fallout and the Impact on Manipur’s Governance
This public rejection of the Centre’s position by Kuki-Zo legislators, including those affiliated with the BJP, reflects a widening rift within the state’s political fabric. The legislators’ decision to challenge Chief Minister Singh’s credibility and accuse him of fueling the violence has laid bare a fundamental divide in Manipur’s administration.

For many observers, this open defiance by members of the ruling party signals a potential turning point in the state’s governance crisis, raising questions about the viability of Singh’s leadership amid the ongoing strife.

Manipur’s ongoing crisis also casts a shadow over the Centre’s reputation, as allegations of misinformation and neglect threaten to undermine public trust in its commitment to peace and stability in the region. Given that multiple Kuki-Zo legislators are distancing themselves from the BJP’s narrative, the fallout from these allegations could have a lasting impact on the party’s credibility in Manipur and the broader Northeast.

Calls for Justice and Sustainable Peace
As the Supreme Court takes steps to assess the evidence presented in the case, the Kuki-Zo community’s calls for accountability grow louder. The legislators have demanded that Chief Minister Singh be held responsible for his alleged role in the violence, emphasizing that without justice and impartial governance, lasting peace in Manipur will remain elusive.

In an environment where ethnic, political, and territorial tensions are closely intertwined, the path to peace will require more than just dialogue. It demands a comprehensive approach that addresses the grievances of all communities, enforces accountability, and fosters social reconciliation. The Centre’s response to this crisis and the Supreme Court’s proceedings in the coming weeks will likely play a critical role in shaping the future of Manipur and its people.

As the court, the government, and community leaders grapple with the implications of this complex conflict, the people of Manipur await a resolution that goes beyond temporary peace and addresses the root causes of division and violence. The pursuit of justice, equality, and understanding will be essential in restoring Manipur’s delicate social fabric, one thread at a time.

11-11-2024

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