A report claiming that the ethnic violence in Manipur was orchestrated has sparked a heated debate in the state. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh has alleged that the report, authored by a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, serves only to deepen the divide, prolong mistrust, and may even promote misunderstanding.
The report, which was released recently, claimed that the violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the adjoining hills-based Kukis was not spontaneous but orchestrated. However, the Imphal-based human rights organisation Human Rights International Freedom (HRIF) has threatened to take legal measures against the organisation for its claim.
HRIF alleged that the report is “not only blatantly one-sided but is also replete with unverified facts, misinformation, and a clear bias in favour of the Kuki community, while deliberately omitting and distorting the narrative, facts and suffering of Meitei community”. The organisation also claimed that the report contains unverified and inflammatory allegations, and that the language and selective reporting have the potential to exacerbate tensions and promote enmity between different groups and disturb the fragile peace process in the state.
BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba has also reacted to the report, stating that more than 3,000 FIRs will be lodged against the organisation for its claim. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh has welcomed HRIF’s decision to take legal action against the organisation, saying that many right-minded organisations are preparing to follow suit.
Singh stated, “At a time when Manipur needs healing, reconciliation and unity, such publications serve only to deepen the divide and prolong mistrust, and it may even promote misunderstanding.” The controversy surrounding the report has further complicated the already fragile situation in Manipur, where over 260 lives have been lost and thousands have been rendered homeless in the recent ethnic violence.
