In the northeastern state of Manipur, India, a brutal ethnic war has been raging for more than three months, claiming hundreds of lives and displacing thousands of people. In this conflict, women have been both victims and fighters, facing horrific atrocities and taking up arms to defend their communities.
The Roots of the Conflict
The conflict in Manipur is mainly between the majority Meitei community, who are Hindu and live in the valley, and the minority Kuki tribe, who are Christian and live in the hills. The two groups have a long history of animosity, dating back to the colonial era when the British used the Kukis as mercenaries to suppress the Meitei rebellion. The Kukis also claim ancestral rights over some lands that are currently occupied by the Meiteis.
The violence erupted in early May 2023, when a Meitei militant group called the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) attacked several Kuki villages, killing dozens of people and burning down houses. The UNLF accused the Kukis of supporting a rival militant group, the Kuki National Army (KNA), which is fighting for a separate state for the Kukis. The KNA retaliated by attacking Meitei areas, sparking a cycle of revenge killings and arson.
The Role of Women
In this sectarian violence, women have been victims of brutal attacks. A video that surfaced online last month showed two Kuki women being paraded naked through a jeering mob of Meitei men. One of the women said she was raped and her father and brother killed. Several other cases of sexual violence have been reported by both sides.
Kukis say that a loosely formed group of Meitei women, known as Meira Paibis or Women Torchbearers, is responsible for instigating some of the rapes of Kuki women. The Meira Paibis are a social movement that emerged in the 1980s to fight against alcoholism, drug abuse, and human rights violations by security forces. They are known for their non-violent protests and vigilante actions against anti-social elements.
However, some Meira Paibis have also been accused of supporting the UNLF and participating in violent attacks on Kuki areas. A 19-year-old Kuki woman told Reuters that she was raped by three Meitei men after she was taken to a group of Meira Paibis and beaten in their presence. “One of the women from the mob gave clear instructions to four men to kill me,” she said in a police complaint.
Moirangthen Thoibi Devi, a Meira Paibis member in Moirang town near Imphal, denied the allegations and said that any Meitei woman who could instigate or support acts of sexual violence was “untrue”. “Meira Paibis does not differentiate between Kuki or Meitei,” she said, speaking alongside a group of other Meitei women.
Women have also been at the forefront of the conflict, picking up arms, blocking troops, and occupying bunkers on the frontlines. Some women have joined militant groups like the UNLF and the KNA, while others have formed self-defense groups to protect their villages. Security forces say that women also hinder peacekeeping operations, taking advantage of laws that prevent male troops from any physical confrontation with women.
The Response of the Government
The Indian government has deployed thousands of troops and paramilitary forces to restore law and order in Manipur, but has failed to stop the violence or initiate a dialogue between the warring parties. The state government has also been accused of being biased towards the Meiteis and ignoring the grievances of the Kukis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the Manipur crisis last week, after facing criticism from human rights groups and international bodies. Without referring to the violence directly, Modi urged heads of state governments to ensure the safety of women and said that the incident was “shameful for any civilized nation”. “My heart is filled with pain and anger,” he said.
The Supreme Court of India also announced this week that it will monitor investigations into cases of sexual violence in Manipur. The court asked the state government to submit a report on the status of FIRs (First Information Reports) filed by victims and witnesses. The court also directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to send a team to Manipur to assess the situation and provide relief to affected people.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution last week, calling on Indian authorities to take action to stop the violence in Manipur and protect religious minorities, especially Christians. The resolution also expressed concern over the use of draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives immunity to security forces from prosecution for human rights violations. India’s foreign ministry condemned the resolution, describing it as “interference” in its internal affairs.
The Prospects of Peace
The prospects of peace in Manipur seem bleak, as the ethnic war has deepened the divide between the communities and eroded the social fabric of the state. The conflict has also disrupted the normal life of the people, affecting education, health, and livelihoods. Many people have fled their homes and are living in relief camps or with relatives.
Some civil society groups and religious leaders have tried to broker peace talks between the Meiteis and the Kukis, but have faced resistance from hardliners on both sides. The government has also not shown any interest in engaging with the stakeholders or addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The women of Manipur, who have suffered the most and fought the hardest, may hold the key to ending the violence and restoring harmony. They have shown courage, resilience, and solidarity in the face of adversity. They have also raised their voices for justice, dignity, and peace. If they can overcome their differences and work together for a common cause, they may be able to heal the wounds of Manipur and pave the way for a better future.
