The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has recently announced that it will be observing May 3 as Kuki- Zo Awakening to mark the first anniversary of the war in Manipur. The day will remain as a day Kukis were awoken from the deepest of slumber in the comfort of their homes.
Moreover, it becomes a day to reconsider the principles of coexistence, rewrite history, redirect priorities and re-evaluate the strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, KIM finds it most appropriate to call the day AWAKENING DAY.
To recall again, on this day a year ago, Meiteis and their right-wing secessionist militant organisations launched a sudden and surprising attack against innocent Kukis. Rather than controlling the situation, the Manipur state government and its law-enforcing agencies stood silent on what had happened in the heart of Imphal city.
Within days, hundreds of innocent Kukis were killed and thousands of homes were reduced to ashes. Within weeks, tens of thousands of Kukis were displaced from their homes. Till today, there is no relief in sight. The Manipur government and the far-right Meitei organisations continue targeting Kukis and their settlements on the pretext of performing the ‘noblest causes’ such as ‘war on drugs’, ‘checking illegal immigration’ and ‘fighting militancy’.
There is a long list of stories that describe the pains and sufferings of innocents in the hands of a state-sponsored terror. For twelve months now, Kukis stood against the mighty state forces, resisting several thousand strong Meitei militants who constantly made inroads into Kuki areas and attacked innocent villagers.
Kuki-Zo civil societies have urged the Centre’s intervention, but the pleas are never taken into consideration. They are left without any option but to defend with the least they have.
Now, as they continue to fight Meitei terror which is purely based on hate and greed, it gives invaluable lessons to all Kuki-Zo ethnic groups in Manipur and elsewhere. Meitei atrocities have taught that the only means of their survival is taking a firm and united stance against any form of hatred and inhuman subjection to the other.
It also taught that victory lies not in numbers but in the fair spirit of defending one’s life and territory against any external threat.
Meitei atrocities also taught that Kukis could no longer rely on the friendship their forefathers forged, as it has been proven treacherous. For once and again, it is proven that the right to life, dignity and freedom depends on the supreme sacrifice of Kuki sons and daughters alone.
They have also been reminded that their home lies not in the valley but deep in the mountains, the abode of their ancestors. They must ensure that these mountains shine bright and beautiful someday. It also taught that Kukis should be independent of Meitei-centric systems such as education and medical care.
They are compelled to build their hospitals, schools and universities. They have just realized the importance of maintaining an independent arterial road for transport and communication.
The attack also taught that, at the end of the day Kukis would survive together if they firmly stood united but perished altogether otherwise. Young Kukis on the battlefield and their daughters attending their family have learnt how trivial is to fight for names and dialectal variations. When there is an impending death waiting at the other bunker, it is the other who comes to the rescue risking one’s own.
Meitei atrocities developed the spirit of unity, gave so much hope, rebuilt trust and healed past wounds among Kukis. Thus, the genocidal campaign against Kukis has become a ‘necessary evil’ for their self-realization and introspection.
With this, the proposed theme “KUKI-ZO AWAKENING DAY” by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) appropriately presents the situations as to how far Kukis managed to capitalise on Meitei aggression to their advantage. The theme positively presents a sense of responsibility for every Kukis to contribute toward the common cause. It challenges the old school of thought on vital values of; coexistence, integrity, development and nation-building as it became obsolete on May 3, 2023.
The day, though deadly and destructive, has redirected Kukis towards the original path – a path of past glory which was taken away a few hundred years ago. Kukis must accept May 3 as an Awakening Call to also shed differences, accept each other and more importantly keep themselves reminded that no none would survive alone as a petty tribe or clan. This will only restore their past glory as one great nation. It truly is a Day of Great Awakening.
Haoginlen Chongloi is the author of the book ‘History, Identity and Polity of the Kukis’. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect EastMojo’s stance on the issue.
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