Villagers are under attack from Kuki militants in Manipur: Heisnam Sabitri

Padma Shri awardee and prominent theatre artiste Heisnam Sabitri said that the Kuki militants, who are under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, are targeting the common villagers residing in the nearby foothills in Manipur.

"These people (Kuki militants) who are under agreements with the government, have clearly violated the ground rules of the agreement and are attacking the common people and sending out the wrong impression to the outside world as the Meiteis targeting them instead," said Sabitri.

She said, "It is quite unfortunate to hear in some media platform that all the tribals in the valley areas are unable to stay because of the torture meted out by the Meiteis. But the reality is that the Meiteis are very hospitable, simple and peace-loving people. People with vested interest are creating confusion."


Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes killing 80 people, attacks, counter attacks and arsoning of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than 10 districts during and after May 3 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.

Acting on a writ petition filed by the Meetei (Meitei) Trade Union, the Manipur High Court acting Chief Justice M.V. Muralidaran on April 19 had directed the state government to submit the recommendation for inclusion of Meitei (Meetei) community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry.

The High Court order snowballed into a major controversy with thousands of tribals turning up for the 'Tribal Solidarity March' in 10 hill districts on May 3 called by ATSUM.