Oct 10, GUWAHATI, India: A video from India’s Manipur state has caused concern among a minority tribal group. The video appears to show a man’s body on fire and is believed to have taken place on May 4. This incident is linked to ongoing tensions between the majority Meitei ethnic group and the minority Kuki tribals. These tensions stem from disputes over government benefits, job opportunities, and educational quotas.
The violence originally erupted on May 3 and resulted in the deaths of at least 180 people. Even though extra security forces were deployed, sporadic violence has continued, posing a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The video in question, which is just seven seconds long, was verified by state police. It shows a man with head injuries near barbed wire while part of his body is on fire. In the background, you can hear voices and gunshots. It’s unclear whether the man was alive or already deceased.
The victim has been identified as Laldinthanga Khongsai, 37, and he belonged to the Kuki community, according to tribal groups. The state’s security advisor, Kuldeep Singh, confirmed that the man was killed on May 4 during clashes between armed members of the Meitei and Kuki communities. During these clashes, a mob also subjected two tribal women to stripping and sexual assault.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum expressed concern about the video, calling it evidence of an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Kuki-Zo community by the Meiteis, who make up the majority of Manipur’s population. They emphasized that such brutal acts should not be ignored and renewed their demand for a separate administration.
In terms of population, the Meitei represent 53% of Manipur, while the Kuki make up 16%. Both sides have suffered casualties in the ongoing conflicts, with government data indicating that 113 Kukis and 62 Meiteis were killed, as reported in July.
Also Read: WHAT REALLY HAPPENING IN MANIPUR? (History to Present day)
Be the first to comment