Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
28 September 2023 | 10:48 CAT

Photos showing the bodies of two missing students circulate online. Photo/India Today

Manipur in northeast India has been rocked with ethnic violence in a conflict marked by murder and sexual crimes against women. The fighting between the majority of Meitei and minority Kuki communities has left hundreds of people dead.

Neighbours living peacefully together are now involved in a bloody conflict over rights to land, jobs and political power. The state is deeply divided, and with claims that India’s government has been slow to step in, civilians are taking matters into their own hands.

Independent Journalist based in India, Smita Sharma, told Radio Islam International that with a long history of disturbance with ethnic strife, the situation in Manipur was triggered when the High Court ordered the majority Meitei to receive government job quotas and should be allowed regulations.

“The Court Order started a spate of protests from Kuki’s who feel the government has essentially been advocating the rights of the Meitei’s. The long-standing demand comes from the Kuki’s not wanting the Meitei’s to be given any sort of status that encroaches upon their tribal rights, land and areas within the hills with an historical context to it,” Sharma said.

Meanwhile, Pictures of two Manipur students reported missing since July 6 surfaced on social media. The photos appear to be before and after they were killed.

One of the pictures showed the two students sitting on a grassy compound while two armed men can be seen behind them. In another picture circulating on social media, the bodies of the two students can be seen.

The students were identified as 17-year-old Hijam Linthoingambi and 20-year-old Phijam Hemjit.

After the pictures surfaced online, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured the people that swift and decisive action would be taken against all those involved in the kidnapping and killing of the students.

“Following the murders, we have seen another spurt of violence and protests because the state remains on the grain and is absolutely heartbreaking to see how Indians are torn by this ethnic strife,” Sharma said.

Listen to the full interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie on Your World Today.