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The conflict in Manipur, India, has reached a dangerous new level with the recent escalation of violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities. This article delves into the current situation, highlighting the defensive measures taken by the Kukis, who are employing homemade weaponry, drones, and even missiles in a desperate bid to protect their land and people.
The recent flare-up, which has seen nearly 10 deaths and over 12 injuries, is a stark reminder of the deep-seated tensions between the two communities, which have been simmering for over a year. The conflict is rooted in long-standing disputes over quotas and economic benefits, leading to a physical and ideological divide between the Meiteis, who primarily control the valley, and the Kukis, who largely inhabit the hills. This division has created a buffer zone, a stretch of deserted land guarded by security forces, separating the two enclaves.
The escalating violence has forced the Kukis to take drastic measures to defend themselves. In the face of alleged attacks from Meitei groups, the Kuki community has resorted to crafting improvised weapons, including an RPG-like launcher made from water pipes, loaded with explosives and sharp particles. This desperate act underscores the lack of trust and the sense of vulnerability felt by the Kukis. The community is also using drones for surveillance and preemptive strikes, highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict, which is now embracing modern technology in a bid for tactical advantage.
The article further sheds light on the human cost of the conflict. Young men like Lawgim, who abandoned his college education to defend his land, are a testament to the impact of the violence on everyday lives. Their stories of makeshift bunkers and radio communication systems highlight the desperate measures being taken to survive in a war zone. The presence of Kuki women guarding the buffer zone further emphasizes the collective effort of the community to protect their territory. Their unwavering resolve, expressed through the words of Ambei, “If we cross the buffer zone and go to the Meitei areas, we get killed. If they come here, we will kill them,” showcases the desperation and the potential for further escalation of the conflict.
While the Kukis acknowledge their lack of financial resources to acquire advanced weaponry, they emphasize their determination to defend themselves. The spokesperson of the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Lun Kipganh, asserts their right to defend their land from aggression. Their defiance, while understandable, also highlights the lack of faith in the government's ability to protect them, and the growing mistrust between the two communities. The use of drones and missiles in the conflict adds a new dimension to the challenge faced by the government and the military, requiring a reevaluation of strategies and resource allocation to address the escalating conflict effectively. The article ends with a poignant statement from a Kuki youth, emphasizing the cost of this conflict: “There is no point going to college if our land is not safe.” This statement encapsulates the collective fear and desperation of the Kuki community as they struggle to defend their homeland in the face of escalating violence.
Source: Rifles, rocket launchers made from pipes: How Kukis are defending their land in Manipur