India: Inter-Ethnic Violence in Manipur - Statement by womens groups in the North East (May 2023)

We, the women groups and organizations from various states of Northeast India are greatly concerned about the violence that erupted in Manipur on 3rd May & 4th May 2023, which has led to huge loss of lives, properties and has led to the displacement of thousands of Indigenous peoples. We strongly condemn the violence and pay our condolences for the many lives lost. We appeal to all parties to immediately stop the violence, lay down arms and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve all differences.

We are reminded that Northeast India is a place of immense diversity, that is home to 45 million people, belonging to over 400 Indigenous communities, speaking over 400 different dialects. We have been living together for centuries, practicing different cultures, faiths, including Indigenous religious traditions, and ways of life.

We are aware that the root cause of the various ongoing conflicts in Manipur and our entire region is due to centuries of colonization, marginalization, neglect, discrimination, lack of good governance, militarization, weaponization and misuse of the region as a route for transnational organized crimes, which includes guns, drugs and human trafficking. We are also aware that the history of the region is not studied or included in the education curriculum leading to huge gaps in understanding amongst different Indigenous communities.

We are convinced that the only way to address this conflict is through a process of truth telling, learning each other’s histories, stories and struggle. We urge all to follow the lead of Indigenous women and begin processes of truth telling, healing and reconciliation. We call for the establishment of a Northeast India Truth and Reconciliation Commission to enable us to share the many challenges, tell our stories, acknowledge the mistakes and work toward collective healing and forgiveness.

We acknowledge the powerful leadership that women of Manipur and Northeast India have played historically in anti-colonial struggles. We call for the inclusion of women in the 17 peace talks and decision-making processes relating to resolving the various conflicts in Manipur and Northeast India. Women’s perspectives, experiences, and leadership must be recognized and valued if we are to build a just and lasting peace in our region.

Finally, we urge the Manipur and the central government to continue to take concrete steps towards stopping the current violence, call for dialogue amongst the warring communities and start the process of relief and rehabilitation of families who have lost loved ones, their homes, shops and livelihood in the violence.

We, the women of Northeast India will remain vigilant and stay in close coordination to ensure the safety and security of our children and vulnerable communities in Manipur and Northeast India. Only through such measures can we hope to build a peaceful and just society for all communities in the region and beyond. In conclusion, we call on all parties to cease all acts of violence and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. Let peace be our path and let healing happen for strengthening the bonds of all of all in the Northeast. We are all in this together. We need to co-exist. We are Northeast United #NEUnited

Issued on behalf of

Concerned Women from Northeast India & Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace

Signed/-

1. Jarjum Ete, National Alliance of Women, Arunachal Pradesh

2. Mayalmit Lepcha, Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association, Sikkim

3. Jaynie Sangma, Civil Society Women’s Organisation, Meghalaya

4. Agnes Kharsing, Civil Society Women’s Organisation, Meghalaya

5. Amita Sangma, Civil Society Women’s Organisation Meghalaya

6. Shaheen Hussain, Char and Rural Development Society, Assam

7. Dr Meena Longjam, Documentary Filmmaker, Manipur

8. Tinat Atifa Masood, Assam

9. Bula Ayenga, Assam

10. Diki Fanai, Mizoram

11. Chanthoi A, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Manipur

12. Bina S, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Manipur

13. Mamtaz Begum, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Manipur

14. Reena, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Manipur

15. Binalakshmi Nepram, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, Manipur

Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace is a collective of women that was started in 2010 to bring together women from the 8 states of Northeast India to work together for peace, reconciliation, healing and participation of women in peace talks, ensure the upliftment of women and inclusion in decision making processes. The Initiative has hosted four successful historic Northeast India Women Peace Congregations in 2015, 2016, 2020 and in 2023 which led to important resolutions with focus on building an inclusive and peaceful Northeast Region where all communities can learn, know and connect with one another as one #NEUnited #WomenNortheast