The world has witnessed the rarest of visuals this morning from the conflict-ridden state of Manipur—an extraordinary moment of humanity in a state torn by ethnic violence. For the first time in 17 months of conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, images of adversaries shaking hands and embracing in a display of compassion and ethics emerged as a beacon of hope. This momentous event occurred in the early hours of the Kuki-Zo Remembrance Day at Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi District, as Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers released two detained Meitei youths in a deeply emotional ceremony.
The two youths, both from Thoubal District, had been held since September 27 after they, along with a friend, accidentally entered Kuki-Zo territory. While their friend was released the same day with the intervention of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), the remaining two were detained due to rising tensions and security concerns.
Their release, orchestrated by the relentless efforts of CoTU, is a landmark moment that comes after the repeated failures of the Manipur state government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to address the escalating tensions. These failures, coupled with the state’s reluctance to act decisively, forced the intervention of the central government, which ultimately brokered the resolution that led to today’s breakthrough.
Manipur, long steeped in ethnic strife, has seen relations between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities deteriorate sharply, with violence escalating and no solutions in sight. The state government’s inaction in addressing critical concerns, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has only deepened the divide, leaving both communities teetering on the edge of chaos. According to Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson of CoTU, the situation had reached a breaking point, necessitating the Centre’s involvement to bring about today’s resolution.
The release of the two youths was not simply an act of compassion by the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers but the result of intense and complex negotiations led by CoTU. These talks were initiated out of necessity, as the Manipur administration failed to respond adequately to mounting tensions. CoTU’s involvement became even more crucial after the brutal killing of an ex-army officer in Sekmai, who had accidentally crossed into a conflict zone—an incident that only heightened fears and distrust within both communities.
CoTU, an organization dedicated to the protection and advocacy of Kuki-Zo community rights, emerged as a key player in securing the safe release of the two detained youths. From the moment the trio was taken into custody on September 27, CoTU stepped in to negotiate their release. Although they successfully facilitated the release of one youth on the same day, the detention of the other two proved far more challenging due to heightened concerns over community security and recent violent incidents.
Over several days, starting on September 29, CoTU held numerous rounds of talks with the Manipur Director General of Police (DGP). Despite these ongoing efforts, an agreement could not be reached immediately, as the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers insisted on significant concessions. Their demands stemmed from the vulnerability of their communities, particularly in areas like Phailengmol, and concerns over Kuki-Zo inmates held in Sajiwa Jail under precarious conditions.
Faced with an impasse, CoTU turned to the central government for support. It was only after the Centre’s intervention that progress was made. On October 2, during a pivotal meeting, the DGP, representing the Centre, agreed to key demands from the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers. These included relocating Kuki-Zo inmates from Sajiwa Jail to safer areas under Kuki-Zo control and establishing a police station in Phailengmol, a region on the frontlines of the conflict, to ensure the safety of residents.
Speaking after the release, Ng. Lun Kipgen emphasized that today’s event showcases the Kuki-Zo community’s adherence to the principle of sparing innocent lives—particularly women, children, the elderly, and the vulnerable—despite the ongoing conflict. The visuals of Kuki-Zo and Meitei individuals embracing serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of division, there remains room for humanity and ethics.
Kipgen further noted that the failure of the Manipur state government to address these long-standing issues continues to highlight the critical need for central intervention. "The Centre’s involvement, which ultimately led to today’s breakthrough, underscores the urgency of addressing not only immediate conflicts but also the systemic problems that have fueled Manipur’s strife for years," he added.
Ng. Lun Kipgen further expressed his frustration over the misrepresentation of the Kuki-Zo community by valley-based media and the people of the valley.
He emphasized that despite the relentless efforts of civil society organizations in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, and CoTU for the safe release and well-being of the two detainees, their image had been unfairly tarnished.
"Our actions, especially in situations like these, where we ensure the safety and release of the innocent duo, are often ignored or mischaracterized," Kipgen stated. "Despite our consistent adherence to humanitarian principles, our community has been painted in a negative light by media outlets based in the valley. These outlets often focus on the conflict through a biased lens, portraying us as aggressors rather than showing the truth about our efforts to protect vulnerable individuals."
Kipgen went on to explain that such biased reporting and negative mindsets have fueled further misunderstandings between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, deepening the divide. "The people in the valley are often fed one-sided narratives, which only perpetuate fear and hostility towards us. It is disheartening that, even when we release detained individuals safely, such acts of humanity are overshadowed by negative portrayals of our community."
In the meantime, eleven inmates from Sajiwa Jail, who had been granted bail a month ago but remained in custody due to a lack of adequate escort arrangements, were transferred to Kangpokpi District. They were initially handed over to Saparmeina Police Station before being released into the care of CoTU.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
