Manipur: Why Has the Kuki-Jo Tribal Community Chosen Not to Nominate Candidates for the Lok Sabha Elections?

Imphal- The northeastern state of Manipur has been grappling with caste violence, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities, since May of last year. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 200 lives, leaving the Kuki community disheartened and disillusioned, especially in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Despite nearly 10 months passing since the outbreak of ethnic violence, peace remains elusive in Manipur. As the Election Commission of India announces the dates for the Lok Sabha elections, the Kuki-Zo communities, predominantly residing in the hilly regions, have made a significant decision not to field their candidates in the polls.

The decision reflects the deep-seated grievances and frustrations within the Kuki-Jo community. Organizations representing these communities express concerns about the state of affairs, citing the failure of the government to address their issues amidst the ongoing conflict.

Despite heavy security presence, sporadic incidents of violence continue to plague the region, exacerbating the sense of disenchantment among the Kuki population.

Mary Hamar, a resident of Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated area, voices the community's sentiment, alleging that the state government is neglecting the Kuki-Zo community and erasing its history.

She underscores the futility of having representatives under the Manipur government if the community's concerns are consistently overlooked. She states, "The state government is trying to wipe out the entire Kuki-Zo community and its history."

Ginza Wualzong, a member of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), highlights the unresolved issues stemming from the conflict, further solidifying the community's decision to abstain from participating in the electoral process. He states, "Our issues have not been resolved yet because of the conflict."

Manipur has a total of 2 Lok Sabha seats.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP won 1 seat, and the Naga People's Front won 1 seat.

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh of the BJP secured victory in the Inner Manipur seat, while Lorho S. won in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency.

Songthin Sang, echoing the sentiments of many in the Kuki-Jo community, expresses skepticism about contesting elections, fearing that even if they were to participate, their voices would go unheard.

He states, "Yes, it is true that there is no candidate from the Kuki-Zo community. We all are in shock and are not able to function properly. I do not believe that if we contest the elections we will win. And if others are elected they will not listen to us. Central government intervention is needed to listen to us."