Raped, burnt alive, shot dead: Women continuously targeted in Manipur's Meitei-Kuki conflict
Imphal: Violence in conflict-ridden Manipur has escalated once again with the killing of two women—one from the Hmar community and the other from the Meitei community—within 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. These incidents have once again highlighted the ongoing atrocities against women, who have increasingly become targets of attacks and counter-attacks in the Meitei-Kuki conflict that has plagued the region since last year.
A 31-year-old school teacher and mother of three children belonging to the Hmar community was allegedly targeted by Meitei armed men in ethnic strife-torn Jiribam district. The FIR registered by the woman's husband, who managed to flee along with the children, alleged that she was caught by the armed members of Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei radical group, raped and set on fire on Friday night. Her charred body was recovered from the burnt houses hours later. Hmars are ethnically linked to the Kukis.
Hours later, a 27-year-old Meitei woman farmer, Ongbi Sofia Devi was murdered by suspected Kuki insurgents while she was harvesting paddy in her field in the Saiton area in Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district on Saturday morning.
Eyewitnesses told police that Kuki insurgents fired from a nearby hill targeting the woman and killing her on the spot, as reported by Deccan Herald on Monday. According to security forces, this reportedly could be a "revenge attack" and a "counter" to the Jiribam incident.
Protests were held by both communities calling for action against those responsible for the killings. Two women’s organisation leaders, one from the Meitei community and one from the Kuki community, told the publication that these incidents are not isolated, emphasising that women, bearing the brunt of the violence, have been targeted since the conflict erupted in May last year.
Ngaineikim, president of Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights told DH that Meiteis have been carrying out ethnic cleansing of the Kuki-Zo communities, adding that women have been raped, paraded naked in public and even set on fire in the most barbaric way. She alleged that no strict action has been taken against the perpetrators.
She suggested another possible reason, noting that women enjoy the highest honour in their tribal society, and the radical Meitei armed groups are repeatedly targeting them to demonstrate their power.
Meanwhile, Lourembam Ngangbi, president of the All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup, a Meitei women's organisation, emphasised that women and children should never be targeted in conflict, but the Kukis are not sparing them, possibly acting under the influence of drugs.
According to government records, nearly 250 people from both communities have died, and over 60,000 others have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
