After unprecedented violence marred the Lok Sabha elections in Imphal, will the Meiteis learn their lessons?

Since the beginning of the current ethnic violence, the Kuki-Zo community has never blamed the entire Meitei community for initiating the violence but rather placed the responsibility on the radicalized sections including the Arambai Tenggols, Meitei Leepuns, the titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba, and Mr. N. Biren Singh.

This stance has been corroborated by the Indian Army, including the Assam Rifles, and a few Meitei intellectuals and social activists. However, anyone speaking the truth has been labeled as anti-Meitei, and against the state. As such, any dissenting voices have been silenced for good.

While neutral voices such as the Indian Army have faced FIRs and public shaming for allegedly taking sides, Meitei social activists have often been threatened or their houses vandalised. Notable figures whose homes were targeted by unruly mobs include former decorated Police Officer Thounaojam Brinda, noted human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam, and Hon'ble MP and Union Minister of State Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.

In the case of Th. Brinda, her house was attacked and she was also coerced into apologizing on camera by violent mobs for disclosing that the current ethnic turmoil was instigated by Arambai Tenggols and Meitei Leepuns on at least two occasions. Similarly, Babloo was compelled to issue a public apology for an interview he gave to a national media outlet. The residence of Inner Manipur MP RK Ranjan was vandalized twice for being critical of the state government led by N. Biren Singh.

What these public figures have in common is that they all belong to the Meitei community and have never sided with the Kukis. Instead, they advocate for effective handling of law and order by the state government. Secondly, they are not against the Meiteis but are critical of the role of the state, including Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and Meitei militias like the Arambai Tenggols, Meitei Leepuns, and M. Barish Sharma-led BJYM.

It is noteworthy that the rise of such radical neo-Nazi-like Meitei militia groups has coincided with the rise of Biren Singh as the nincompoop Meitei-centric communal leader. In fact, since Biren has failed to deliver on the education, economy, and development front, the primary agenda of his government, or for that matter the BJP, has been to suppress any dissenting voice.

Now, with the conclusion of the first phase of elections for the two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur, albeit with 11 polling stations recommended for repolling tomorrow, it has become evident that all these neo-Nazi-like militia groups are supported and sponsored by Biren Singh's government to perpetuate its kakistocratic regime.

For a long time, the Kukis have lamented how these radicalized Meitei groups have unleashed such a violent ethnic pogrom, but, the common people among the Meiteis have been indoctrinated with anti-Kuki sentiments to the extent that they are unable to discern right from wrong. Though belated, the actions of the Arambai Tenggols, Meitei Leepuns, and Barish Sharma-led BJYM thugs on election day have somewhat opened the eyes of the Meitei masses.

Following the unprecedented violence and multiple acts of terrorism involving gunmen wielding sophisticated weapons such as AK-47s, INSAS Rifles, and SLRs in support of the BJP candidate, some individuals have begun to speak out against the role played by these militias. Despite the Meitei community's pride in their 2000-year-old civilization with advanced culture and tradition, their failure to recognize the danger posed by such Meitei militias demonstrates their intellectual bankruptcy. If they had realized sooner, much of the destruction since May 3, 2023, could have been avoided, and the Kukis and Meiteis could have continued living together peacefully.

However, the question remains: Have the Meiteis learned their lessons? Perhaps, the answer could be affirmative. Then, will the Meitei masses continue supporting such terrorist groups hell-bent on destroying the idea of Manipur? It is up to them to decide if they still possess a sense of humanity.

At this moment, it is unlikely that the Meitei community will acknowledge their mistakes soon for various reasons. Firstly, they have been fed with one-sided news all along since day one through the Imphal-based propaganda outlets, making it extremely challenging for them to separate the grain from the husks, or the truth from propaganda. Secondly, since all rational voices have been forcefully silenced, there is no one to enlighten their wicked minds. Therefore, the dissemination of fake news and false propaganda is likely to persist. Among the Meiteis in Imphal, the unwritten rule is: either support Biren Singh and his cohorts or remain silent!

It is also worth noting that even their professors like Dr. A. Bimol Akoijam who took pride in being a faculty of one of the most prestigious universities in the country have repeatedly spoken in support of the Arambai Tenggols and the likes, but only to face consequences, and had tasted a dose of his own medicines. Similarly, the dumbass politician Maheshwar Thounaojam is now seen shedding crocodile tears after performing poorly in the election. Perhaps, he was also part of the voices that actively contributed in shaping he is crying foul.

Given the sequence of events in the past 11 months, during which the Meitei community has lived under the false hope of defending its motherland with the help of Meitei militias like the Arambai Tenggols, Meitei Leepuns, and Manipur Police, it is unlikely that they will learn from their mistakes soon. Instead, they might continue to think that it is these pseudo-nationalist groups who have been defending them against the stronger 'Kuki militants'. Even if they somehow recognize that Biren Singh and his private militias are behind all the chaos and destruction, the majority of them will prefer to remain silent. For, as the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry in the midst of mad dogs.

Whatever may be the outcome of the current ethnic cleansing campaign initiated by these militias with the open support of the Biren Singh government, the future generations will blame the silent majority within the Meitei community more than the radicalized sections. The sooner they realize this, the better it will be for the Meiteis and their beloved Kangleipak. For the Kuki-Zo community, it will no longer make any difference anyway.

(Courtesy: KSO Bulletin, Thingkho le Malcha, Issue no.217, 22 April 2024).