Imphal: Imagine a scenario where Muslims in mainland India feel the need to mark their homes with their religious identity for protection. While this might seem unimaginable elsewhere, it has become a harsh reality in Manipur.
Amid ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, Meitei Pangal Muslims have been forced to write “Meitei Pangal” or “Muslim house” outside their homes – desperate measures to shield themselves from violent mobs.
While the ethnic strife in Manipur has primarily been framed as a conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis, other groups have also suffered.
The United Meitei Pangal Council (UMPC), a civil society organisation, holds both the Union government and the Manipur government responsible for the continuing violence.
Raees Ahmed, a representative of the UMPC, criticised the governments’ inaction, stating, “The government should be impartial in its response, but unfortunately, the state and [Union] governments are equally responsible for this prolonged crisis as they are not interested in solving the problem.”
He added that it was “disheartening to see that the government lacks the will to resolve this conflict”.
The Meitei Muslims, also known as Pangals, form a minority within the broader Meitei community. They trace their roots to the 17th-century settlement in Manipur of Muslim traders and soldiers, who integrated into the local culture.
Despite their deep historical ties to the region, they find themselves marginalised in the current conflict, struggling for recognition in the broader narrative of Manipur’s unrest.
Over the past two decades, Meitei Muslims have played a crucial role in Manipur’s socio-economic landscape. Many Pangal drivers facilitate travel between the Imphal valley and the surrounding hill districts, ensuring the movement of people and goods across conflict zones.
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Despite their role in bridging divides, the community has not been spared from violence.
According to Ahmed, at least eight Muslims have lost their lives since the violence erupted over 21 months ago.
Ahmed also said that the Meitei Pangal community has played an indispensable role in sustaining Manipur during its ethnic crisis.
“Manipur is surviving because of us, as we are carrying all the essential commodities for our state. The goods transported from Guwahati to Imphal via road are driven by people from our community. We can travel anywhere in this state, yet the government does not consider us stakeholders in resolving the crisis. We can easily reach out to our Kuki brothers or Meitei counterparts anywhere in Manipur, but despite this, we remain excluded from the peace talks,” he said.
Left out of peace talks
The exclusion of Meitei Muslims from official peace talks has further deepened their sense of alienation. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has engaged in discussions with civil society organisations representing the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities, yet no representatives from the Muslim community have been invited to the negotiating table.
Speaking to The Wire, Ahmed expressed his frustration: “We have maintained contact with both the Kukis and the Meiteis, yet the MHA has never acknowledged our role or invited us to peace talks.”
He also said that had the Meitei Pangal community been included in the negotiations, the situation in Manipur might have been different. “We have tried to remain neutral and mediate where possible, but without a formal role in the peace process, our efforts are limited.”
In 2023, then-governor Anusuiya Uikey had established a committee to facilitate peace in Manipur, including some representatives from the Pangal community. However, once then-chief minister N. Biren Singh became involved, many members withdrew, citing concerns over political bias in the process.
Many Meitei Pangals facilitate travel between the predominantly Meitei Imphal valley and the immediately surrounding hills which are predominantly Kuki. In this file image, former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh is seen with members of the Meitei Pangal community. Photo: X/@NBirenSingh.
With little government intervention, the UMPC and community leaders have taken it upon themselves to mediate between the warring factions.
“Since the government does not recognise our role, we are engaging directly with civil society organisations on both sides. After the imposition of President’s Rule, the situation has calmed somewhat, and we hope for a resolution soon,” Ahmed added.
A sombre Eid for Manipur’s Muslims
As the violence continued, the Meitei Pangal community prepared for yet another Eid in isolation. This year marked the second consecutive one in which members of different communities in Imphal were unable to come together for the celebrations.
“Eid is meant to be a time of unity and joy, but without our fellow Manipuris, the festival feels incomplete,” said Ahmed.
So far, more than 250 people have lost their lives in Manipur, and nearly 60,000 people continue to live in relief camps despite government promises to resettle them in their villages.
