Manipur Crisis: Identity Politics Must Stop - Nandita Haksar 

It brought tears in my eyes while listening to this great lady. I always feel so left out as a kuki while I go through all the medias reporting about the situation of Manipur. There was no media who understand the people of kuki tribals as much as this great lady did. So may false news where it said the kuki started voilences, the kuki did burned houses attacking the meiteis, as in my heart of hearts i know for a fact that no Tribals in Manipur will ever start any fight or voilences over meiteis unless it's the opposite. We tribals as the world know we are shy, lack to communicate with people, residing in hills, we don't know much how to influence over social media or medias. So i was always feeling so unfair when so many media cover the manipuri stories leaving out our sides of the story. We help people who are in needs at times of needs, we live in borders and if any weary suffering human come knocking our doors for food we are not type of human to shut our doors on their face, rather we will wide open our doors for them even if they are a total stranger to us. So, why do we have to be killed and driven away from our houses and taken our rights away coz of giving some food, water and shelter to the poor helpless needy people. I really thank this great madam for telling the truth to the world when we have no one to talk for us. May God Bless you and you live a long long life so that you can always become the voice for no voice. Respect ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It's so encouraging that our country still have such sensible, intelligent and far sighted personalities such as this Lady! God Bless You! Madam Nandita Haksar! 🙏

When none speaks up for us, the humanitarians does. 🙏 thank you!!

Im from Manipur and I must say, so far this is one of the most unbiased, rational and informative interview for the masses about our pressing issue.

I am fill with tears of joy by listening to you mam atleast in some conner of india there is someone who care and has vast knowlege about us and totally understand the situation ...one who is courageous enough to speak out the truth . My deepest respect to you mam 🙏

Commend NewsClickin & Nandini Haksar for this candid and fact filled discussion shedding light on the festering issues that lead to the present crisis in Manipur. Both communities are chess pieces, unable to realize neither one is going to benefit in any sphere from this man-made disaster.

No more modi govt in 2024

This is one of the fairest and most informative analyses of the current Manipur crisis. So, I'm posting here again the two comments I made on the same topic in three other media outlets for your audience's knowledge: I found your interview very informative and interesting. So, may I also share my opinion with you on the ongoing Manipur crisis in the form of a comment: I have been closely watching the current crisis in Manipur. Actually, the fates of the Manipuris (Meitei) and at least the northern Chins, who identify themselves as Zomi and Thadou inside Chin State, are inseparably intertwined. The Manipur River flows through northern Chin State and enjoins the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region. It, thus, serves as the bloodline for a large part of the northern Chins. In return, the Meiteis' long-term survival as a nation depends heavily on the northern Chins. A vivid example: If the Chins built a dam on the Manipur River in Chin State, most of the Imphal Valley would be underwater. So, all the people concerned - leaders of both communities and the Indian government - should consider such matters in their attempts to solve the problem. And the two communities should make every effort to live side by side in harmony for their own long-term survival. I am the author of more than 40 political papers on Burma and a 960-page history paper on the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi people to which I belong. …................................................... To be more precise, the Manipur River has not yet played a significant role in the Chins' economy until now. However, many young Chins aspire to build a dam on the river in the future to facilitate shipping and hydroelectricity production. The only obstacle to realizing this dream, at present, is the political turmoil in Burma. Nonetheless, the river has been economically crucial to approximately one million people living in the plains between Saetaw (a village located at the foot of the Chin hills) and Kalewa in the Sagaing Region. Once the river reaches the plains, it is referred to as the Mittha River.

Thank you so much Nandita ma'am 🙏....My greatest respect to you for seeing beyond what most people don't see...You are one hell brave woman, who do stand up for the oppressed and speak for the voiceless....My heart ach painfully thinking how we the tribals aren't not well versed enough to be able to express of the right things we have done!... Listening to your whole factual knowledge about Manipur is so satisfactory as each word you have spokem out is nothing but our whole life🙏 which we are not able to express ourselves....Thank you! God bless you! Ma'am

She knows the root causes of the current situation in Manipur.

Thank you Ma'am Nandita Haksar..for the correct facts and figures ..for truly understanding the condition of Manipur.Every citizens of India should see this ...

MANIPUR needs Disintegration. Tribals need separate Administration ✊🏼✊🏼 That's it!

Myself from Manipur, but neither from meitei nor kuki, everything she said is true...

There is nothing which can unite Manipur. Only seperate autonomy is the solution

Indian social media, specifically studying iQ don't have any right to share about Hindus and Muslims. And Christian missionary. This fight is not about religion or Mission. THIS INDIA IS DEAD IN TOXIC RELIGION.

Wow.. that was precise. You understood the situation better than all the meiteis BJP MLAs put together...

What a surprise,you hava a deep knowledge of manipur ,what you have talked is 100 percent true.

Excellent analysis. I wish she is on the advisory board for Manipur government and centre

Madam, you are speaking the facts, truth which people scares to speak. I salute you. It's not about taking sides but speaking the truth.

We need more peoples like you Ma'am..appreciate

The only interview on RU-vid that I’ve found so far on this crisis that actually exudes sound reason and logic. Thank you ma’am Nandita Haskar for caring about our state and shedding light on the truth about what is actually happening in Manipur. I feel relieved to know that there are still some persons who want to know the truth and condemn the people who manipulate the facts, especially the media persons. The BJP government and the Meiteis have completely turned the tables around with their connection to the media, and made us the perpetrators when we are really the victims. Immense gratitude to NewsClinckin as well for holding such important discussions. Praying for peace and tranquility to be restored 🤍🕊️

Best talk ever every one must watch n understand..

What she said about the number of new villages is not so correct. The statistics she presents is the increase in number of villages between two census years (probably between 2001-2011, but not sure). They are actually recognised. There are two main reasons behind this. First, any survey including census is never conducted properly in Manipur. In remote hill areas, many villages were not recognised for a very long time. Second, the Kukis have a tradition of setting up new villages from the parent village as the population increased and the pressure on land is high.

The viable longterm permanent solution is that Naga, Kuki & Meitei should part ways. Divide the state into Greater Nagaland, Kukiland & Kangleipak

Thankue Madam Nandita listening to your insight view on the conditions of manipur on what is happening right now and what has happened in the history your really have the truth and understanding on what is prevailing in the state. I imagined that the indian leaders understand and have the knowledge like the way you have i thing there wont be any hatred among the communities of manipur. The tribals are peace loving people. They are innocent simple and very welcoming to others but they are very protective to their customs and belief they are uncompromising in this values Respect and salute to Madam God bless you🙏

Its so heartening when credible & respected souls like Ma'am speaks on our behalf. I know for sure there are very few of your brood left in our country. More power to you❤

Thnk u Mamji for understanding the Fight n Cry we tribal community had ❤

Respect for the vast knowledge about north east and telling the fact without bais. Manipur situation is a critical one, it's political as well as ethnic problem.

Presenting a comprehensive and unbiased explanation on the issue in Manipur, which many great media houses fail to do so as they are blinded and misinformed by the vibrant yet biased Imphal media journalists. I would like to add some more points for the benefit of truth seekers. 1. Kukis (Zo ethnic group) are living not only in Churachandpur district (yes, Churachandpur is their stronghold), but they are also living in all the hill districts in the catchment areas of Imphal valley side by side with Naga Tribes. Besides, Kukis are living in most other NE states, though in much lesser number. 2. Kukis are unhappy with the Biren Singh administration because he has been systematically hurting their pride and self respect over a period of time. He would often openly utter derogatory terms against Kukis both in his public speeches and in his Facebook posts, wherein he would stoop so low to indulge in arguments and name callings with unknown teenagers and mischief mongers. This has resulted in the youth of both the communites developing extreme hatred against one another. The CM would hunt down any Kuki youth including juveniles, who posts and comments anything he doesn't like on his fb page, but he would always turn a blind eye on Meitei mischief mongers who openly talk/post much more inflammatory remarks. 3. In a bit to hurt/insult the Kukis further, he invokes the long forgotten and fraud policies on reserved forest, protected forest, wetland, etc and evicting Kuki villages which had been in existence since before the birth of the modern day Manipur state. He went to the extent of going to the heart of Churachandpur Town, which is the second largest town in Manipur after Imphal, and declaring the highly urbanised localities as Protected Forest, Wetland areas, etc. This is akin to declaring Vasant Vihar area of Delhi as Reserved Forest quoting some Mughal era documents. 4. On the question of Poppy Cultivation also, most Kukis especially the elites and educated are against poppy cultivation as they perceive that it will only destroy the Kuki youth in the long run. However, many of the poor and illiterate villagers see poppy cultivation as an opportunity to come out of abject poverty befallen upon them as a result of the long neglect by the state govt. It is worth mentioning here that these poppy plantations were encouraged and financed by big drug cartels and drug lords who belong to the cream of Meitei community with connections to the top brass of the state machinery. While the poor poppy farmers were getting peanuts out of this illegal trade, the Meitei drug lords (locally known as kani mahajon) are the true benefactors. The CM's War on Drug campaign was never targeted to these drug lords, but were targeted only to the farmers. The CM makes huge publicity stunts out of these drives and coniviniently used it to further tarnish the image of the Kukis. In this way, Biren Singh created a fertile ground and sowed the seed of anti Kuki feelings among the Meitei community especially the youth. The result is that, whenever, the tribals raise any issue or protest against the government on any genuine issue, the brainwashed fringe elements of the Meitei community with the backing of the CM would hijack the common tribal issue by staging counter rally and offense against the Kukis. The present Manipur crisis is the latest episode of Biren Singh's communal game and is unlikely to be the last. 5. The Valour, Patriotism, Nationalism, Loyalty to the motherland of Kukis are richly recorded by history. They fought the longest and most costly war against the Britishers during WW-I. They again fought against the Britishers alongside INA during WW-II. As a result of their constant fight against the British, the colonial power had taken many steps to subdue and disintegrate the power of the Kukis. The Independent India owes this long suppressed Kukis a better treatment and better respect. ~Ngamlien Touthang🖋️

It’s a long and continuous struggle throughout our history. Misunderstanding, enmity, subjugation, non representation, rejection, non implementation of indigenous rights as laid down by the constitution of India, sarcasm, and more. In fact, Manipur has been a big Dormant Volcano which awaits eruption. Even if peace talks occur, or resettlement takes place, it won’t be the same anymore. The only solution will be separate administration as already laid down by the constitution of India, non interference of valley people on the hill subject Ma’am has geniusly identified the problem though she doesn’t fully describe the solution she spoke about…it’s all on the people and the Tribals don’t want anymore of having the same administration.

#Nandita_Haksar mam, you need to speak sensitively regarding increased of villages and poppy cultivation in this hard time or you will add fuel to the fire. For your kind information: 1. Expansion of villages has nothing to do with the immigrants. It has to do with the Kuki customary law of the elder chief giving a portion of his land to his younger brothers, and close relatives to set up their own villages when the former village has become big enough. 2. Can you deny that there is also the expansion of land occupation and villages in the valley area? This should be noted. 3. The displacement of over 300 villages from Ukhrul, Tamenglong in the 90's conflict which resulted in increased of settlement in Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. 4. If at all one considers the influx from Myanmar is a threat to Manipur, the first threat is to the immediate neighbor, that is the Kukis, why turn the victim into a convict. 5. What does the Indian Government or Manipur Government do to solve the immigrant problem? Can civilians be blamed for not performing the work which they are not responsible? We don't deny there are pockets of illegal immigrants as it is happening in every states or country bordering another states or country. what is the Government policy on this? Is the government policy to blame the indigenous tribal people and sent the illegal immigrants along with them away? Regarding the Poppy Cultivation: How is it that the Government of Manipur letting its people cultivate illegal poppies for the last twenty years, and finally blaming a certain community responsible for that? Who is the law enforcement? Why did they fail to detect and prevent poppy cultivation for the last so many years? The answer is very short. Politicians are involved, businessmen are involved, and police officials are involved. The hill people cultivate, the valley people made investments, and politicians do marketing in other parts of India and abroad. It is after twenty years when almost the entire hill is barren, it come to limelight through social media and others began to be suspicious about the Manipur government inaction. Knowing the blame will come upon them, the BJP under the leadership of N. Biren Singh initiated their campaign war on drugs with hidden agenda of blaming the tribal especially the Kukis, to hide the his involvement. In reality, when the government initiated its campaign on war on drugs the hill CSOs, Church leaders, students, and the scholars fully endorse and supported the movement, thus the poppy cultivation was brought down to its lowest ebb. The people are very happy and cooperative. Regarding the Eviction of illegal dwellers: When the people proved their legal status with legal documents, the government has neither any justification. We can prove that the evicted villages are much older than the promulgation of the laws. In all his attempt the valley centered government failed. So, the government began to instigate the meetei, many students body were formed. They freely roamed in hoisting their flags and symbols, threatening people in the hill. they shout slogans which are not pleasant to the ear of the tribals. Finally, they resorted to violence, when we held a peaceful rally. The BJP govt., in manipur is bias, meetei centered and their motive is to grad the tribal land, and the tribal thought they may not be advanced in development because of the stepmotherly treatment of the Govt., but the are not fools you can easily threaten and fool.

Investigating, analying done so well...thankyou so much mam.. For speaking the truth everyone needs to hear these🙌🙏❤

Good to hear Mam the world will understand the problem of Manipur.

Thank you so much ma'am ❤❤❤ may God bless you for speaking the truth ,while most of the people spread false news,i really respect you 👍 i hope the truth must be known to all over the world ,thank you so much both of you long live.❤❤❤❤

Thank you Mamji for spreading the truth

Definitely Identity politics should stop otherwise no scope for living together peacefully . Unity among all communities working on common political and economical aspiration is best option.

The Manipur Govt led by Biren Singh has failed its people. Instead of bridging the gap between different communities, it has been fuelling communal tension. It's finally going to pay the price. This govt or the CM has to go.

Best interview so far....Thank you so much Ma'am for speaking the truth....I hope everyone listening this will understand the situation in Manipur.....Let there be peace🙏

Absolutely 💯 you hit the points,I admired you... Long live Mam Nandita Haksar😥🙏🙏

The only interview which is most sensible and true about the situation in Manipur! Thank you for Nandita Haksar and News Click!🙏

so lucidly, eloquently explained. This is wisdom gained from lifelong study and knowledge gained on the socio political economic conditions of the people of Manipur. Ma'am you have our deepest respect. and thank you NewsClickin for this wonderful episode. May God bless you all.

I am from North East India Nagaland State and what i catched in the ongoing violence in Manipur was the well planned ancident by the BJP Party at the State as well as at the central. That's the only thing. Yeah what Mam explained was true too 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽✌️✌️✌️

This is the best analysis of this topic. Thank you Newsclick and Nandita.

It's due to bjp chief minister biren Singh,he was trying to make his boss modi happy bt it went all out wrong nw on what ground h wil stay in his chair

I am quite impressed with the analysis. To understand further of Manipurs political unrest is to dig it's history since independence tribe by tribe and how meiteis have mistreated the tribals by its evil of caste system. And today, they want a share of land while being a bully for decades. From the humanitarian ground, no human would shoo away those in need of your help but to a bully, the trust is broken. Tribals have been trying to negotiate since forefathers time yet the valley people couldn't see the future ahead of them and tries to assert there authority along with the govt. And the govt has been playing systematic and strategic role in utilizing divide and rule policy even between the tribals themselves and the armed groups. GOI and GOM have always blamed the tribals as people without law and order but 2023, May 3 scenario speaks volume. If you are willing to open your eyes to see the reality, you will see coz it's right there.

What a good and useful information we got so far.. It's neither against the Meitei nor the Kuki.. But in my opinion as a human it will be difficult for both the communities to talk peace again.. The peace i talk about is the minds of the people.. The situation people asking peace is to stop violence and maintain peace and i support it.. But I'm talking about the feeling how will they trust each other's again... For me the best solution will be given a separate State to the Kukis coz all the present situation will not be known later and neither the Meitei want to settle in the Hills nor the Kuki want to settle in the plains... Safe Manipur 🙏

The only accurate and sound analysis of the present situation of manipur found in social media. Everything she said is true. I believe the solution she proposed is one of the most or the only viable step towards solving the problem. Thank you ma'am, for stating unbiased facts🙏

Thank you both for the unbiased and insightful discussion. I hope it helps clarify the misunderstandings. Please keep up the good work.

Very insightful knowledge on Manipur Ma'm. I am really grateful that some great personalities like yourself has a very indept knowledge on the sufferings of the tribals of Manipur.

Poppy is cultivated in the hills, valley people trade on it, state government has share in it

Everybody in Manipur knows why Hindi movies and literature is banned? And why it's banned? You must go Behind it

Those truth&precious words💚.

This talk is very informative and true👍

Need more people like her, unbiased report ❤

Lets share this video as much we can.. its so True...🙏🏻

My respect and honours to both of you ma'am, I hope this discussion show would be a mechanism in bringing actual peace in the region

Madam u we needed like u in this world who speaks truth not biased. God bless u

Thank you maam for understanding! Best talk ever 👌🙏

So true and thank you... u really understand our struggle 🙏

When churches are demolished by BJP government, what more evidence one needs to show that their communisations of politics on the bast of religion ?

6:01 The figure given here doesn’t represent the illegal immigrants, The Kukis always set up new villages as a tradition and the people who reside there in new villages are from other old villages. So far, around 100-200 refugees being there(in border area) and the concern Govt must look after to tackle the situation. In fact the new settlement in the hill areas doesn’t effect the growth of population.

Thank You 🙏 truthful explanation not only what is the true problem in Manipur but also explained how can we resolve this issue that can sustain permanent Peace in Manipur!

About 3 weeks before the eruption in clashes and burnings, court orders 3 church buildings to vacate the lands. The members were willing to obey. But what turned into persecution was CM Biren Singh allowed the destruction of properties before giving even 12 hours space for church members to salvage properties. Why such a hurry? Answer: any legal excuse is good enough to persecute Christians by a Hindu Chief Minister. Vengeance is mine, says God (Romans 12:19). God is patient, but is against merciless injustice. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I am in tears 😢 she speaks for the people of voiceless Kuki and those who suffer and ran into Manipur state and Mizoram for saving their lives. She speaks as a humanities on behalf of voiceless immigrants. May God blessed her and give her a long lives ❤❤❤❤

Peace and unity won't be allowed by the rulers.

There is no solution, just give a seperate state to both communities

At least Some other state understand us what we are facing right now. If you talk poppy plantation even other communities does but on screen they will blame to Kuki people thats not acceptable

Meiteis are well developed. Out of 60MLA they sent 45 and tribals only 45.They have all access to infrastructure, high per capita income, high literacy rate and many in non agri activities. They have SC/OBC/EWS. What more should we give?

Too little too late for unity. Manipur must become its original size of 700sq.miles again.

Dear Ma'am, You should kindly check your source. Some villages are set up for getting the benefit of job cards where migrations happen for want of development in interior areas.

Seperate Administration is the only solution...after that the meitei can demand EWS , PWD, NRC,ILP ETC..WE don't care

Manipur Budget Allocation: 2017-18, Total Budget 5000 Cr. Valley Budget 4892 Cr. Hills Budget 108 Cr. 2018-19, Total Budget 4,900 Cr, Valley 4,750 Cr, Hills 150 Cr. 2019-2020, Total Budget 5000 Cr, Valley 4,880 Cr, Hills 120 Cr. 2020-21, Total Budget 7000 Cr, Valley 6,959 Cr, Hills 41 Cr. And this is despite the population ratio being 60:40. If ST is given to the Meitei community, they should at least divide the budget equally otherwise. This is the MAJOR problem hill tribals in Manipur are facing today. Can the state government claim this is fake news?

praising the precious speeches delivered by Ms Nandita Haksar heart & soul. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼💟💟💟

Congress party zindabad

People of manipur, spread this video. Nandita haksar has the answer for you. Stop playing identity politics.

Wow!! Nandita Madam, your in-depth knowledge, insights and assessment of the issue is overwhelming. Be it ST status, immigrants , refugees, land, arm groups issues- you sum it up all nicely and to the point. The different attitude adopted by Manipur and Mizoram Govt. is something to look into and ponder about. The people themselves only can find a Solution as you rightly said. But given the scale of violence perpetrated against the Kukis recently, settling back together in Imphal Valley will be something next to IMPOSSIBLE. So a Separate Administration would only be the SOLUTION rather THE WAY OUT as of now; where we can only lived together as peaceful neighbours!!!

Modi government no more 👈

5:47 first of all huge respect to both of you for speaking out the truth 🙏🏻 but the picture in 5:47 is not from refugees in Manipur.

If this was merely a question of Scheduled Tribe status What is this wanton destruction of churches And murdering of the Kukis and destroying And looting their homes

Until N Biren Singh is taken out of power we will never have peace in manipur,From the time his Government started,He exercise Divide and rules among the tribals this is the outcome of his policy

Indeed it is true that Identity politics must stop.

This is the only interview that speak facts. Such sensible human. It's a blessing and miracle to have someone like her. God bless you. Hope we have more people like you ma'am

after listening Madam Nandita i think i have no more conflict in my head thank you madam

We appreciate your true words more✨....., Than the manipur state govt announcing Rs 5 lakh Ex Gratia for those who are killed by the meitei's.....rip to all my brothers and sisters 💔🥀 And especially about that senior journalist who spread fake news by saying meitei's were been attacked by the kuki's that's 100% fake and thank you for letting the world know who the real victim is🥺🙏 Thank you Nandita Haksar❤️😇

God has sent you,for the voiceless people.. i thank God for this brave and courageous Ma'am.. Good Lord bless her abundantly. Thank you ma'am ji for bringing out the truth. Thank you for standing with us while the powerful people abundant us.. thank you and God bless 🙏🌹

Thankyou maam!!for your great insight...we need more peope like you who could speak for the voiceless like us the tribals here in Manipur..Your sensible ,intelligent with a brave heart ..Thankyou

Wonderful knowledge and wisdom you have from God, your Speech is very true in Manipur and in Northeast. God bless you Mam, be healthy and strong and live longer because the Country needs you ❤️

Thank you fr the analysis.

Thank you mam for speaking the truth

Thank you ma'am for understanding our sentiments. Since we the Kuki Tribes have been discriminated for generations, we are bound to demand for separate administration which will give us a long and lasting peace!

You are still maintaining your status Ma'am. Truth triumphs over Fake. We tribal people just want the truth, we don't need more. We all hope truth will triumph one day. Thank you for your stance.

Very informative talk. 👍

Seperate administration is the only solution in manipur

Respected Maam, I respect you for your unbaised view , Yes some of our brothers from our neighbouring country take refugee in our land and we also help them as we have together fought the British Imperialism together for a long span of 3 yrs( Anglo- Kuki war,1917-1919) and we are separated by an imaginary line which we called international border however the setting and rise of many new village is apart of our tradition and culture where the elder brother in our family would give an area of land to his younger brother and his immediate Kin to make a fortune of their own and it would be wrong to put blame to our few brother who in time of crisis seek help from Us on the account for the rise of the many new villages in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.. Similarly there are certain tribes of the indigenous Manipur of the Kuki-Zo community who migrate to Mizoram for good to make fortune of their own and never came back to Manipur.

The truth finally is spoken. 👍🏻👍🏻

Wow.....madam is so well informed about manipur....Salute!!!!madam❤

The most unbiased interview thank you madam

Like father like daughter.

Thankyou ma'am for speaking on behalf of the voiceless the tribals kuki community. ❤❤

There's a saying "When things look dark, there's always a silver lining" .Likewise , Mrs nandita haksar you shown the true facts about Manipur. Thankyou with all our heart ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤