Kuki–Paite ethnic clash

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The Kuki–Paite ethnic clash of 1997–1998 was a deadly conflict between the two communities in Churachandpur district in Manipur, India.^{[citation needed]}

The causes of the conflict were ethnic tensions and armed terrorism. It started in June 1997 when KNF insurgent groups executed nine Paite villagers. Over 352 people died, thousands of homes were destroyed and over 13,000 people were displaced. The Government of India sent in the Indian Army to attempt to stop the violence. The conflict ended in September 1998 with a peace agreement between the two communities.^{[citation needed]}Template:Vn

Cause of conflict[edit]

The Thadou-speaking Kuki had been displaced from their home in the northern part of Manipur to Churachandpur.^{[citation needed]}

Part of the conflict came from the use of names. Both communities were considered Kuki by Thadous. However, the Paites preferred to call themselves "Zomi"- they considered the term "Kuki" to be a foreign word. The Thadou-speaking Kukis considered this use of the word "Zomi" to be offensive to them. (See Mizo people#Etymology.)^{[citation needed]}

By 1997 Paites formed the Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO). This group had a militant wing named the "Zomi Revolutionary Army" (ZRA). At that time, the Thadou-speaking Kukis had already formed the militant Kuki National Front (KNF) and had been terrorising the villagers.^{[citation needed]}

The KNF started imposing taxation on the Zomi/Paites, further escalating tensions .^[1]

Start of hostilities[edit]

On 24 June 1997 KNF extremists^[2] lined up 20 villagers in Saikul and shot them, killing nine and wounding four.^[3]

These killings started a series of communal violence that also drew in smaller ethnic groups. Several hundred Indian soldiers were moved into Churachandpur to restore order. A peace agreement was negotiated after a few days by dignitaries from Mizoram Peace Mission, namely, Pu C. Chawngkunga, Pu H. Zathuam and Pu F. Lawmkima. It was signed by the KNF(P) and the ZRO, at Mata Dam in Churachandpur on 8 July 1997.^{[citation needed]}

Two days later, KNF(P) militants invaded Mata village, breaking the agreement.^{[citation needed]}

The warring parties were brought together again on 18 July 1997 to reaffirm the agreement. However, the KNF (P) then attacked Leijangphai, Tallian and Savaipaih, burning thirteen houses.^{[citation needed]}

Final peace[edit]

On 29 September 1998, to make amends for the Saikul massacre and to end the conflict, the Kuki Inpi invited the Zomi Council to a feast. A bull was slaughtered for the occasion and both groups shared the meal.^{[citation needed]}

The next day, the Zomi Council reciprocated by inviting the Kukis to a feast. Hence, the conflict ended.^{[citation needed]}

Conflict toll[edit]

Over 50 villages were destroyed and some 13 000 people were displaced.^{[citation needed]} According to official records kept by the Government of Manipur, the communal violence killed 352 persons, injured 136 and destroyed 4,670 houses.^[4] The majority moved to areas surrounding the district capital of Churachandpur and Mizoram, where they were housed in makeshift refugee centres in schools, hospitals and various other buildings.^{[citation needed]}

Peace agreement[edit]

1. That, the nomenclatures Kuki and Zomi shall be mutually respected by all Zomis and Kukis. Every individual or group of persons shall be at liberty to call himself or themselves by any name, and the nomenclature KUKI and ZOMI shall not in any way be imposed upon any person or group against his/their will at any point of time.^{[citation needed]}

2. That, any person who has occupied or has physical possession of any land/private building/houses and quarters wrongfully and illegally during the period of clashes shall return and restore to the rightful owners, such lands and buildings.^{[citation needed]}

3. That, no Kuki or Zomi militant shall indulge themselves in any forcible collection of funds, taxes etc., against their counterpart nomenclature be it from the Government Officials, individuals, contractors, and business establishments.^{[citation needed]}

4. That, all points of MoUs between the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council shall be operative and binding to all concerned persons and parties including the government.^{[citation needed]}

Signed this 1 October 1998 on behalf of Kukis and Zomis respectively.^{[citation needed]}

Sd/- (Albert Gen Goukhup Mate) President, Kuki Inpi ChurachandpurTemplate:Vn^{[citation needed]}

Sd/- (K. Vungzalian) Chairman, Zomi Council^{[citation needed]}Template:Vn

References[edit]

↑ Rebecca C, Haokip (2007). "The Kuki-Paite Conflict In The Churachandpur District Of manipur". In Lazar Jeyaseelan (ed.). Conflict mapping and peace processes in North East India (PDF). North Eastern Social Research Centre. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
↑ "Kuki National Front". South Asia Terrorism Portal. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
↑ Hangmi, Peter Zamhen (6 October 2010). "The Paite Kuki Clashes and restoration of Normalcy". khawvaiphei.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
↑ Rodger, Alison J; Mike Toole; Baby Lalnuntluangi; V. Muana; Peter Deutschmann (2002). "DOTS-based tuberculosis treatment and control during civil conflict and an HIV epidemic, Churachandpur District, India". Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 80 (6).

Sources[edit]

Manipur Governor's Address to the Assembly on 9-03-1999
ZRO/ZRA
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]^{[unreliable source?]}
[5]

External links[edit]

Blood brothers: Manipur once again on the brink as smaller tribes are drawn into the Kuki-Naga conflict

[Haokip-1] Rebecca C, Haokip (2007). "The Kuki-Paite Conflict In The Churachandpur District Of manipur". In Lazar Jeyaseelan (ed.). Conflict mapping and peace processes in North East India (PDF). North Eastern Social Research Centre. Retrieved 4 February 2014.

[2] "Kuki National Front". South Asia Terrorism Portal. Retrieved 31 January 2014.

[Restoration-3] Hangmi, Peter Zamhen (6 October 2010). "The Paite Kuki Clashes and restoration of Normalcy". khawvaiphei.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.

[Rodger-4] Rodger, Alison J; Mike Toole; Baby Lalnuntluangi; V. Muana; Peter Deutschmann (2002). "DOTS-based tuberculosis treatment and control during civil conflict and an HIV epidemic, Churachandpur District, India". Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 80 (6).

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[2]

[3]

[4]