Concealing 'Churachandpur': Shedding the Meitei King's Legacy for Kuki Land!

Churachandpur— Monitoring the situation closely in the aftermath of the violence that erupted in India's northeastern state of Manipur in May this year is as distressing as it was disturbing to hear about the violence. The incident of caste violence has divided Manipur into two parts— the Meitei tribes in the valley and the Kuki tribals in the hilly areas. The situation is such that no community is venturing into areas dominated by another community. This has almost halted the transportation of goods via road routes throughout the entire region.

Churachandpur district in Manipur, situated in the hilly region, is predominantly Kuki. This district, with a population of more than three lakhs, is located to the southwest of the capital Imphal. After the outbreak of violence, all road routes to this district are heavily guarded by security forces, making it nearly impossible for vehicles or individuals to enter Churachandpur easily. After maintaining this status quo for three months, the people in this area are now grappling with shortages of food grains, essential medicines, and petrol and diesel.

Whatever is available has seen its prices double or even triple because the flow of goods from outside has almost ceased. If the government does not ease the movement of vehicles carrying essential food items and daily necessities, the situation in Churachandpur is likely to deteriorate further.

Pastor Khupdokhen, 57, a resident of New Lamka Gckveng in Churachandpur district, mentions that vehicles traveling from Imphal to Churachandpur have been halted for months. The available goods are being sold at exorbitant prices. He told The Mooknayak, "Petrol is being sold here for Rs 120 per liter because petrol supplies from Imphal have stopped. The petrol being sold by the roadside vendors has been brought from Mizoram, hundreds of kilometers away," pointing to the petrol stored in cans by the roadside.

Security forces have established numerous checkpoints on all borders of Churachandpur district. The areas connecting Churachandpur to the outer regions have been designated buffer zones, with strict prohibitions on the entry of Kuki or Meitei individuals into this zone. No Meitei can enter Churachandpur, as the security forces will not permit it, and any such attempt could lead to untoward incidents. After the outbreak of violence, both communities harbor animosity towards each other. The same restrictions apply to the people of Churachandpur. No individuals from the Kuki-Zo community can leave Churachandpur, as they are at risk in the valley beyond the hills where Meitei people are predominant. Consequently, the security forces and local authorities are emphasizing that the two communities should avoid encountering each other to prevent conflict.

Lianpu, 68, a resident of Churachandpur district and a retired BSF soldier, advocates for a separate administration for the people of Churachandpur district. He believes that the situation will improve if the residents have their own administration. Lianpu remarked, "Nothing is allowed to come from Imphal. Work has come to a standstill since the onset of the fighting (ethnic violence). Even oil (petrol-diesel) is unavailable. It is brought in from Mizoram, 400 km away."

Neng Boi, 37, a Kuki woman who runs a shop in New Lamka market, mentioned that the price of tomatoes in the market is Rs 250 per kg. She expressed her concern, saying, "How can we afford such expensive vegetables? After the violence, we are out of work, and people are staying indoors. We don't know how long this will continue."

A previous report by The Mooknayak highlighted how IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) living in relief camps in Churachandpur district are suffering from serious diseases and a shortage of medicine. People who fled from various places and reached relief camps after the violence have neither jobs nor money. Furthermore, the only government district hospital in Churachandpur district, which serves a population of more than 3 lakhs, has reported a lack of essential medicines. The hospital has faced significant challenges in procuring many life-saving medications.

From Churachandpur to Kuki Land: A Cultural Shift and Identity Resurgence

As a manifestation of their eroding trust in the Manipur government, the residents of Churachandpur, primarily a Kuki-dominated area, firmly advocate for a separate administration to safeguard their rights and privileges. The ethnic violence that erupted in May has profoundly shaken the faith of the local populace in the government. Consequently, they have taken action by erasing or obscuring the name 'Churachandpur' wherever it was previously displayed throughout the district. Today, many walls and shop shutters proudly bear the inscription 'Kuki Land' or 'Tribal.'

David, a dedicated member of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an organization rooted in Churachandpur, actively champions the causes, issues, and demands of the tribal community, forwarding them to the relevant departments of the Government of India.

David elucidates that with most supply lines within the district closed off, the only recourse has been to source essential goods from Mizoram, a daunting 400 kilometers away. The surge in commodity prices can be attributed to the considerable distance and the closure of crucial roadways, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai