Amidst the anniversary of ethnic violence in Manipur, families of 31 missing individuals from the Meitei community are pleading for closure and justice. Stemming from clashes between the hill-dominant Kuki tribes and the valley-dominant Meiteis, the violence, which began on May 3, 2023, has left many families in turmoil.
Atom Kavita, wife of missing journalist Atom Samarendra, exemplifies the anguish and hope of these families. Despite performing last rites, she clings to the belief that her husband is still alive. Similar sentiments echo from others like Phijam Ibungobi and Ninghthoujam Premlata, who have lost loved ones to the violence.
The conflict has deepened divisions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with central forces deployed as buffers. As families seek closure and justice, civil society groups advocate for official recognition of the missing individuals and punishment for perpetrators.
The anniversary prompts gatherings nationwide, highlighting the enduring pain and seeking an end to the violence that has claimed over 210 lives and displaced thousands.
Civil society groups, including Delhi Manipur Society (DeMaS), Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), Global Manipur Federation, and various others, have supported the families in their quest for justice and healing. They urge authorities to actively trace the missing individuals and ensure accountability for the violence.
The plight of these families serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of unresolved conflicts and the urgent need for reconciliation and peace-building efforts in Manipur and beyond.