One-Day Seminar on ‘Manipur Violence’ held in Delhi

The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Delhi & NCR (KSOD & NCR) organised a one-day seminar (further customized as gaal-le-toul lai One Day Seminar) themed on “The Deep Divide in Manipur: 150 Days of Injustice” in collaboration with Kuki Inpi Delhi and Kuki Welfare Delhi yesterday at Delhi University Conference Hall, North Campus- Delhi. The seminar was aimed at exploring the various facets of the Manipur violence.

The first session was chaired by Dr. Michael Lunminthang Haokip, advisor KSOD & NCR.

Dr. Thongkholal Haokip, Asst. Professor, Centre for the Studies of Law and Governance (CSLG), JNU was “tracing the Kuki autonomy movement”. Dr. Haokip traced the origin of Assam Rifles to the Cacher Levy which was formed in 1835. A good number of Kukis joined the levy. He put that the Kukis have never been acceptable to subordination. Kukis’ participation against any form of subordination can be seen from their rebellions such as against the British during the WW-I otherwise known as Anglo-Kuki War during 1917-19. Following this was what they joined Subhash Chandra Bose under the banner of Indian National Army (INA) in 1942 against the Allied Powers during the WW-II. He made mention of the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) which was founded a year before India’s Independence on 24 October, 1946. He further attributed the Meitei-Kuki conflict to the least empowered HAC under Article 371 (C) of the Constitution of India.

Major (Retd.) Amit Bansal laid bare the story of drugs syndicate in Manipur. He pointed out that 75% of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reported Rs. 75,000 crores worth drugs in Manipur are synthetic chemical drugs manufactured in Imphal valley. An international report says that 95% of Golden Triangle-based drugs cannot prosper without politicians, social workers and the like. In the meanwhile, Dr. Nehkholen Haokip proposed for a community goods whereby the inmates of various relief camps can be employed in a community farming, so that it can sustain our economic viability during this conflict. Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India, Colin Gonsalves had a motivational speech to the youth to take part in safeguarding our rights and lands. He even appreciated the Kuki youth for defending their lands with this strength ever since May 3.

Tongmin Misao (Advisor, KSOD & NCR) chaired the second session. Dr. Lalsanglen Haokip, Assistant Professor, Delhi University explicated the historical facts of the Kuki-Zos. Mystifying histories, Dr. Lalsanglen Haokip explained the Salai Taret genealogy of the Meiteis.  Under the seven major clans, there are over 400 sub-clans among the Meieis. He also mentioned about the Umang Lai (forest deity). The Meiteis have over 900 forest deities, implying that their deities spread across the forest of the state. This purportedly provides a basis for the Meiteis to claim the whole territory as theirs. He extrapolated on the territorial extent of the state based on different existing literatures of R.B. Pemberton, Chandramani Singh, James Johnstone and T.C. Hudson. There are several contradictions among the writers in regards to the territorial limit of the state of Manipur and the origins of both Meiteis and Kukis. He severely questioned about the imposition of AFSPA law in SoO-operated hill areas and not in valley areas. Dr. Nemthianngai Guite, Associate Professor, JNU looked at the ensuing conflict in Manipur from women perspective. She made a comparative role of women in the Kashmir conflict and Manipur conflict. She somehow agreed to glorify the Meira Paibis for spearheading the general public of the Meiteis in a series of protest. However, this is not the end of the story. She was upset with the reason behind for them being in the forefront. She clearly pointed out that the Meira Paibis are used as a human shield, and not for other reasons.

Lunjalen Khongsai, Chairman KWSD spoke on the way forward. The Godly leader of the Church knew well that he was being invited with expectations of biblical messages from him. He did not put much emphasis on the nitty gritty of the politics on the conflict. Rather, he cautioned the participants not to imbibe in their mind a sense of hatred against the Meiteis. Hate is what he hates. However, he believes in war ethics. He wished all the fighters to follow these ethics.