Conflict Escalates Between Kuki and Meitei Communities in Manipur: 175 Lives Lost

Amidst ongoing tensions, Manipur witnesses a grim scenario as clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities have led to the tragic demise of 175 individuals. The Supreme Court convened on Tuesday (November 28) to address this issue, which has escalated sharply during the funerals of the 169 identified bodies that have been lying in mortuaries since May, triggering intense confrontations between legal representatives of the state government and civil society organizations.

Supreme Court Proceedings

Presiding over a panel of three judges, Chief Justice Devi Chandrachud emphasized, “We cannot indefinitely retain bodies in mortuaries. The violence occurred in May.” The court asserted that the deceased deserve a dignified farewell. Additionally, the apex court directed the Manipur government to permit the families of 81 identified victims to conduct their final rites at designated government-sanctioned sites by December 4. The sporadic violence in Manipur has persisted since May.

Dispute over Burial Grounds

According to a report by The Hindu, the Justice Geeta Mittal Committee, appointed to stabilize the state’s conditions, highlighted civil society groups exerting pressure to bury bodies in inappropriate locations, exacerbating tensions. The conflicting stances on burial grounds persist between the hilly districts and inter-district boundaries within the valley. Consequently, the potential for clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities residing in these regions looms large once again.

Preparation for the Burial of 81 Bodies

In its directives, the Supreme Court emphasized the state’s responsibility to ensure an unimpeded final journey for the victims, devoid of third-party interventions. The Mittal Committee revealed that among the 169 identified bodies, families of 81 victims have laid claim, while 88 remain unclaimed. Their report from October 21 highlighted efforts by civil society organizations attempting to prevent the relatives of the deceased from retrieving their bodies for final rites.