Professor of Political Science at the University of Hyderabad, Kham Khan Suan Hausing, says the Indian state and its political actors face a legitimacy crisis in Manipur, making the idea of a united Manipur increasingly difficult. Prof. Hausing belongs to a tribal community in the state.
In the interview, recorded in May 2024, Hausing said, “The Kuki Zo, Myanmar groups and Meitei have aggravated almost beyond redemption now.”
At least 226 persons have died and more than 59,000 persons displaced by deadly ethnic violence that broke out between mainly Meiteis belonging to the Hindu faith and predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo tribes that began on May 03. Even a year after the violence broke out, the situation remains volatile with thousands of weapons being stolen from government armoury by the fighting groups engaged in regular gunbattle.
Hausing has been vocal about the role of Meitei outfits and State complicity in the continuing ethnic conflict of the State. Last year, A first information report (FIR) was lodged under Sections 153A, 200, 295A, 298, 505(i) and 120B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) against Dr Hausing for giving an interview to The Wire.
