Kidnapping of Hindu Youths Adds to Manipur’s Escalating Crisis.

Manipur Mayhem: Meitei Hindu Youths Abducted By Christian Militant Outfit Amid Ongoing Violence.

Biren N Tamang | HENB | Shillong | Sept 30, 2024::  India’s Manipur state is experiencing escalating sectarian violence after two Hindu youths were allegedly abducted by the members of tribal Christian militant outfits on September 27. In a heart-wrenching video posted on social media the next day, the Hindu youths pleaded with Chief Minister N Biren Singh to intervene and secure their release.

This disturbing incident is the latest development in a long-standing conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the Christian-majority Kuki tribal group. The tensions have been simmering for decades, with disputes over affirmative action privileges, land ownership, and economic dominance contributing to the volatile situations.

“Please, save our lives and fulfill the demands of our brothers,” the youths were heard pleading in a video footage.

The kidnapping of two Hindu youths in Manipur has taken a dramatic turn, with their alleged kidnappers demanding the release of Mark Thangmang Haokip, accused of waging war against India to establish an independent “Government of People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland.” Haokip is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency, a federal anti-terror agency.

In response to the kidnapping crisis, the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, convened an all-party meeting on September 28. The meeting aimed to address the escalating tensions and find a resolution to the crisis.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh assured reporters that the government is working diligently to ensure the safe release of the abducted youths. Concurrently, Keisham Meghachandra, Congress party president, rejected the kidnappers’ demands, stating that an exchange is not a viable solution. He also tweeted his concern in his X handle by writing, “Held a meeting with all the MLAs from both the Ruling and Opposition parties at my Secretariat, today. Addressed the current situation in the state particularly focusing on the rescue of the abduction of two innocent youths by Kuki militants. We condemn such heinous acts and our government is working to secure the safe release of the victims.”

On September 27, three youths en route to an Indian Army recruitment test in West Imphal were abducted, with one managing to escape. The area, predominantly Christian, has sparked concerns. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum, the top tribal decision-making body controlled by the Christian lobby, remains silent on the issue.

However, a Christian leader in Imphal condemned the kidnapping, saying, “It’s unfair to play with innocent lives.” The leader, speaking to HENB on September 30, criticized the kidnappers’ actions.

The situation in Manipur remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between the Meitei Hindus and Kuki-Zo communities. A Christian leader, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussions, described the current state of affairs as “both sides targeting each other”. This violence erupted on May 3, 2023, and has resulted in significant loss of life and property.

Manipur’s inter-ethnic conflict has claimed over 230 lives, displaced 60,000 people, and razed 11,000 houses and 360 places of worship. The majority of victims are Meitei Hindus. Despite the devastating toll, federal and state authorities have struggled to quell the violence and restore peace in the northeastern state, which borders conflict-ridden Myanmar.

According to the 2011 Indian Census, Hinduism and Christianity are neck-and-neck in Manipur, with 41.39% and 41.29% of the population identifying with each faith, respectively. Hindus in Manipur are predominantly Meitei people, concentrated in the Imphal Valley and other plain districts.

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__Inputs from CNN-News18 & NDTV.