Today, in the Rajya Sabha, Smriti Irani delivered a passionate speech as the opposition members demanded a discussion on the situation in Manipur. She appeared visibly angry and expressed her strong emotions while addressing the issue. Tensions escalated when the Kuki community protested against the Meiteis' demands for official tribal status, as the Kukis feared it would further empower the Meiteis and allow them to encroach on predominantly Kuki areas by acquiring land and settling there.
However, underlying reasons for the tensions are manifold. The Kukis believe that the Meitei-led government's supposed war on drugs is a pretext to uproot their communities. Moreover, illegal migration from Myanmar has exacerbated the situation. The pressure on land due to population growth and unemployment has also led to the involvement of youth in various militias.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained silent on the violence in Manipur until a video of the May 4th attack surfaced recently. His belated response has led many Indians to question why it took so long for him to publicly comment on the situation. In response to the unrest, the Indian government has deployed 40,000 soldiers, paramilitary troops, and police to the region to curb the ongoing violence. However, the government has resisted tribal leaders' calls for direct rule in the area.
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