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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Five central organizations of Bhatkal hold joint condolence meet for SM Syed Khalil
Bhatkal: In a heartfelt tribute to SM Syed Khalil, popularly known as C.A. Khalil, five prominent organizations of Bhatkal came together for a joint condolence meeting at Jamia Masjid on Friday night. Khalil, a renowned NRI businessman and respected social and religious leader, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the community.
The event was organized under the joint auspices of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Bhatkal, Jamia Islamia, Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, and Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem. Several dignitaries spoke about Khalil’s life, his contributions to society, and his immense impact on education and public service.
Maulana Khaja Mohiuddin Akrami Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Markazi Khalifa Jamaat, described Khalil as a man of deep faith and integrity. “He carried out every task in his life with religious consciousness and immense belief in God,” he said.
Maulana Abdul Rab Khateeb Nadvi, Chief Qazi of Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen, highlighted Khalil’s selflessness, saying, “His simplicity and the great services he rendered without any expectation of reward are an example for all of us.”
Maulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadvi, Khateeb and Imam of Jamia Masjid, emphasized Khalil’s dedication to public service. “He devoted his property, wealth, and personality entirely for the welfare of society. His life was a shining example of commitment to community service,” he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Education Society, Vice President Muhammad Sadiq Pillor lauded Khalil’s contributions to education. “His efforts, especially in promoting girls’ education, are invaluable. He extended his services beyond Uttara Kannada to various parts of the country,” he said.
Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem, reflected on Khalil’s efforts to secure political representation for the Muslim community. “He worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with national and state leaders, paving the way for the progress of Bhatkal,” he said.
The meeting also saw participation from Khalifa Jamaat Deputy Qazi Maulana Aiman Nadvi, Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Deputy Qazi Abdul Ahad Farkade Nadvi, Zubair Kola, and SM Arshad of Mohtisham Complexes Pvt. Ltd., among others. Each expressed their grief and admiration for Khalil’s contributions.
At the conclusion of the event, the five central organizations jointly passed a condolence resolution, emphasizing that Khalil’s passing was an irreparable loss not only to Bhatkal but also to the Muslim community across India.
“The void left by CA Khalil, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the nation, will be hard to fill,” the resolution noted.
The program was conducted by Abdul Raqeeb M.J., General Secretary of Majlis-e-Islah-wa-Tanzeem.
