Tensions high in Manipur, after the death of 13 in ethnic clashes

New Delhi (AsiaNews) – Protests continue in Manipur following the death of 11 people June 9th during ethnic clashes between the majority Mietei community and the Kuki community based in Chandel district. A 24 hour general strike called for by various civil groups began yesterday evening at 18 hundred hours, crippling the entire state.  But experts say that what really is at stake in the battle between the two groups is control over the lucrative trade in arms and drugs with nearby Myanmar.

Shops, schools and public offices remained closed today while transport to other states has been seriously disrupted.  Police are patrolling deserted streets, forcing the population to remain barricaded in their homes, in fear of further unrest.

On June 9th five Kukis and six Meiteis were shot dead by unidentified gunmen, forcing officials to enforce an indefinite curfew in the volatile town on Saturday evening. While the Kuki victims belonged to the border town of Moreh, five of the six Meiteis killed were from the Khurai area of Imphal. Police report that there were two more deaths in ensuing clashes, which reinforcements of two companies of paramilitary reserves eventually brought under control.

The area, close to the Myanmar border, has scene an increase in violence recently.  May 25 one Indian national was killed and another seriously injured in a shootout at Namphalong market on the Myanmar side, a short distance from Moreh town. There is serious concern that the Burmese army induced Metei militants based in the state to trace those responsible of the killings.

Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director Human Rights Alert, Manipur, told AsiaNews that “, I would be cautious in calling the unfortunate Moreh incidents as an ethnic clashed because the issue is basically between two armed groups operating in Manipur.  The oldest Metei rebel group, the united national liberation front(Unlf) who are fighting for Manipur independence,  and the armed Kuki group, KNA/KNO working for the protection of Kuki interest and is know to be closely working the Indian Army”.

“The killings and counter killing have spread a lot of fear amongst the two communities buthave not resulted to any ethnic based violence -- not as yet at least. Civil Society groups in Imphal are trying hard to prevent from violence spiralling into an ethnic clash some of them have rushed to Moreh with relieve and supplies. It is also true that there are some strong vested interest and rumour mongers that are trying to escalate violence”. Moreh, close to the Burmese border, is a point of passage for contraband arms and drugs.  Often the rebel groups fight amongst themselves for control of the trade.  But this is the first time that there have been clashes between the Kuki and Meitei.

“North East India, - he concluded – is inhabited by some 40 million ethically distinct population, who have been witnessing armed conflict for over 10 years. The Indian military, empowered by special laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, has been trying to deal with the situation, but the conflict has over the decades become very complex and intractable”.