The Saibol incident in Manipur has triggered a bitter social media battle, with the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities at odds. Kuki-Zo protesters, including unarmed women, were reportedly injured by security forces, while Meitei supporters argue that the protest tactics, including threats to disrobe, were provocative
BY PC Bureau
The divide between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur has become so pronounced that finding a balanced perspective on any incident in the state has become nearly impossible. Manipur, embroiled in ethnic clashes for the past 24 months, continues to face deep-seated tensions that show no signs of abating.
The recent Saibol incident, involving clashes between Kuki-Zo women and security forces, is a glaring example of this division. Kuki-Zo supporters have focused on the injuries suffered by the women, emphasizing the brutality of the response from security forces. Many of these women reportedly sustained severe injuries, with some requiring hospitalization.
On the other hand, Meitei supporters have presented a different narrative, alleging that the women were brought in organized groups on trucks and resorted to extreme measures, including threats to disrobe, to obstruct the operations of security forces. They argue that such acts were deliberate provocations aimed at halting legitimate law enforcement efforts.
This sharp contrast in narratives underscores the absence of a neutral, credible voice in the state. The Manipur government, struggling with diminished authority and credibility, has been unable to mediate effectively or offer solutions that address the root causes of the conflict.
As reactions pour in on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), the dialogue between the two communities has grown more toxic, reflecting the deep-seated animosity. Each side has weaponized the platform to push its narrative, amplifying divisions rather than fostering understanding.
The Saibol incident reveals a disturbing pattern of escalating hostility and mistrust between the communities. This is not a conflict that can be resolved by force alone. Without a concerted effort to rebuild trust, promote dialogue, and address the underlying issues, the cycle of violence and division is likely to persist, leaving the people of Manipur caught in an endless spiral of conflict.
THE SAIBOL INCIDENT:
On December 31, 2024, a significant clash erupted between security forces and Kuki-Zo women protesters in Saibol village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur. The confrontation resulted in multiple injuries among the protesters and has since ignited a heated debate on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), with both Kuki and Meitei communities presenting divergent narratives.
The altercation began when Kuki-Zo women assembled to protest what they perceived as the “forceful occupation” of community bunkers by security personnel. According to reports, the situation escalated when security forces employed tear gas and physical force to disperse the unarmed demonstrators. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos, with several women sustaining injuries during the confrontation.
In a dramatic turn, some protesters reportedly threatened to disrobe as a form of resistance, recalling a powerful protest tactic used in the region’s history to draw attention to perceived injustices. This act underscores the depth of emotion and desperation among the protesters.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>After the gripping performance of Kuki Zo Women's drama, <a href=”https://twitter.com/COTU_Kangpokpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@COTU_Kangpokpi</a> escalates their drama again by targeting Saibol Village. Now they want to establish <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/KukiTerrorists?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#KukiTerrorists</a> camp in Saibol Village by criticizing the ongoing operations conducted by central forces . <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peace?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Peace</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manipur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Manipur</a> <a href=”https://t.co/H6S0xOTmoY”>pic.twitter.com/H6S0xOTmoY</a></p>— vincymeitei (@vincymeitei) <a href=”https://twitter.com/vincymeitei/status/1874667890710028515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>January 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Social Media Narratives
The incident has polarized social media, with Kuki and Meitei communities offering conflicting accounts.
Pro-Kuki Perspectives:
Kuki community members and supporters have condemned the actions of the security forces, highlighting the injuries sustained by the women protesters. User @KukiVoice posted, “Unarmed Kuki-Zo women peacefully protesting are met with brute force. Is this the justice we seek?” Another user, @TribalRights, shared images of injured women, captioning, “Our mothers and sisters bear the scars of oppression. Stand with Kuki-Zo for justice.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>📍Saibol, Manipur: <br><br>CRPF & BSF have violated the dignity of Kuki women. International women’s movements, demand justice!Violence against Kuki women by <a href=”https://twitter.com/crpfindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@crpfindia</a> & <a href=”https://twitter.com/BSF_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@BSF_India</a> is a crime against humanity. <br><br>Global voices must condemn this! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeForKukiWomen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#JusticeForKukiWomen</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NCW</a> <a href=”https://t.co/TDy809z47k”>pic.twitter.com/TDy809z47k</a></p>— Ravinder Kapur. (@RavinderKapur2) <a href=”https://twitter.com/RavinderKapur2/status/1874445571936993542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>January 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Pro-Meitei Perspectives:
Conversely, Meitei community members have defended the actions of the security forces, emphasizing the need for law and order. User @MeiteiUnity wrote, “Security forces are maintaining peace in volatile regions. Protests should not impede their duties.” Another user, @EasternSentinel, commented, “While the right to protest is fundamental, it should not obstruct security operations in sensitive areas.”
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Stripping and assaulting Kuki women during combing operations in Saibol, <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manipur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Manipur</a>, allegedly by CRPF and BSF, is a grave violation of human rights. Accountability and justice must prevail. Violence against women can never be justified. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/zonauang?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#zonauang</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/sstvi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#sstvi</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyNewYear2025?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#HappyNewYear2025</a> <a href=”https://t.co/k65LJBbKVo”>pic.twitter.com/k65LJBbKVo</a></p>— Zainab. (@blogs_by_zainab) <a href=”https://twitter.com/blogs_by_zainab/status/1874359130460479974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>January 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
Official Responses
Authorities have stated that the security forces acted with restraint. A police spokesperson noted, “The joint forces dispersed the crowd with minimum use of force, and the situation is now peaceful and under control.”<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>So, the Saibol village incident is considered news? <br><br>Well then let's revisit what happened in Jiribam. <br><br>In November 2024, <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/KukiChinZoHmar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#KukiChinZoHmar</a> Terrorists allegedly used sharp objects, physical force, and assault weapons against 3 Meitei Children kidnapped from Jiribam Manipur.… <a href=”https://t.co/XEfHbPry7P”>pic.twitter.com/XEfHbPry7P</a></p>— Manipur First! (@ManipurFirst) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ManipurFirst/status/1874138520069300551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>December 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
However, civil society organizations from the Kuki-Zo community have demanded an independent investigation into the incident, alleging excessive use of force and human rights violations. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has issued an ultimatum for the withdrawal of central forces from Saibol, threatening to block National Highway 2 if their demands are not met.
Here are the reactions from both Kuki-Zo and Meitei community members on X (formerly Twitter), citing their handles and quotes:
Pro-Kuki Reactions:
- @KukiInpiManipur:
“Our women in Saibol have faced undue aggression from security forces. This is a blatant violation of human rights. We demand immediate action and justice for the injured. #SaibolIncident #JusticeForKukiWomen” - @CoTU_Official:
“The excessive use of force against unarmed women protesters in Saibol is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with our sisters and call for the withdrawal of central forces from our villages. #StandWithKukiWomen” - @KukiWomenForum:
“Today, our brave women in Saibol stood up against oppression, facing tear gas and batons. Their resilience is a testament to our community’s strength. #KukiWomenRise #HumanRights”
- @TribalRights:
“Tear gas and batons against unarmed women. This is the reality of being a tribal in Manipur today. The world must see the injustice we endure. #SaibolIncident #HumanRights” - @HillProtectors:
“Our sisters threatened to disrobe not out of weakness but to awaken the conscience of the oppressors. A desperate cry for justice ignored by the powers that be. #StopTheViolence”
Pro-Meitei Reactions:
- @MeiteiUnity:
“Security forces acted to maintain law and order in a volatile region. Protests should not escalate to threatening national security operations. #ManipurUnrest #PeaceFirst” - @EasternSentinel:
“Let’s not romanticize every protest. Security forces are doing their job in a sensitive zone. Blockades and resistance only worsen the situation for everyone. #SaibolTruth” - @ValleyGuardian:
“Injuries are unfortunate, but provocations like these must not derail peace efforts. Both communities must prioritize dialogue over confrontation. #ManipurHarmony”
The Saibol incident has not only intensified tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities but has also highlighted the influential role of social media in shaping public perception. As narratives continue to diverge online, the need for dialogue and a thorough, impartial investigation becomes ever more pressing to address the underlying issues and foster peace in the region.
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