Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manipur on Saturday, marking his first trip to the state in two years following the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities. While both communities have welcomed the visit, they have distinct demands for the government. The Prime Minister has stated his commitment to the development of Manipur and its people.
The Kuki community is seeking a separate state, while the Meitei community opposes this demand and is calling for the detection of illegal immigrants through the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
The Kuki community, representing the tribal population, has expressed their desire for a separate administration, requesting that their areas be made a Union Territory. They emphasize that this demand is not for convenience, but for the peace, security, and existence of their people. They have also urged the public to participate in the Prime Minister’s visit. The Kuki community claims that the Meitei community has caused the deaths of over 250 people and burned down homes, temples, and churches, displacing many. They allege that the Kuki people have been forcibly separated due to the actions of the Meitei community.
The Meitei community opposes the Kuki’s demand for a separate state, stating it is entirely wrong and could lead to the state’s division. They hope that the Prime Minister’s decisions during the visit will be based on equality, justice, and security, rather than being biased. The Meitei organization also appeals for the implementation of a process like NRC to identify illegal immigrants, addressing demographic imbalances. They hope the visit will not be limited to superficial actions.
There are differing views on the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. While the Kuki community supports it, the Meitei community opposes it, viewing it as misleading and potentially increasing violence. The SoO agreement was signed in August 2008 between the central and Manipur governments and Kuki militant groups, aiming to initiate political dialogue and end violence. The agreement is extended annually; however, it was recently revoked due to the recent violence.
In a social media post regarding his Manipur visit, PM Modi mentioned his commitment to advancing the development of Manipur and its people. He will also lay the foundation for road projects, national highway projects, women’s hostels, and other development programs. Modi is scheduled to participate in events in Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar over the next three days.
