​Safety first, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Nemcha Kipgen, Manipur's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, advocates for maintaining buffer zones between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities for safety.
• Ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei people in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacement of around 60,000 people.
• Kipgen, from the Kuki-Zo community, took her oath virtually from New Delhi on February 4 due to security concerns.
• Skirmishes have also begun between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, requiring police intervention.

Detailed Insights:

• The root cause of the conflict is a deep deficit of trust between the majority Meiteis in the Imphal Valley and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities in the hill districts.
• Manipur has a history of insurgencies since attaining full statehood in 1972, highlighting the need for peaceful coexistence among its communities.
• Kipgen emphasizes recognizing shared spaces, tribal heritage, cultural values, and a common future to bind all Manipuris.
• She stresses that harmony means respecting distinct identities while strengthening the bonds that allow communities to live together peacefully.
• The current situation prevents Kipgen from attending the Assembly session in Imphal, underscoring the severity of the security concerns.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Buffer Zones: Demilitarized areas created to separate conflicting groups and prevent further clashes.
• Ethnic Violence: Conflict arising from perceived differences between ethnic groups, often involving violence and displacement.
• Insurgencies: Armed rebellions against a constituted authority, often within a state.