As the ethnic tensions between Kukis and Meiteis escalate, social media platforms like X have become arenas for a parallel war. With viral hashtags, videos, and contentious posts, the conflict’s digital dimension is intensifying the divide while drawing global attention.
BY Navin Upadhyay
The Kuki-Meitei Conflict: A War Spilling Onto Cyberspace
The ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur has not only caused devastating human suffering on the ground but has also escalated into a full-fledged digital war on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Both communities are leveraging the platform to spread their narratives, influence public opinion, and mobilize support, turning cyberspace into a critical battleground.
This online struggle has magnified tensions, with both sides accusing each other of misinformation campaigns, propaganda, and targeted harassment. Through hashtags, viral posts, and multimedia content, the Kuki-Meitei conflict on X reveals the power of digital media in shaping the trajectory of real-world disputes.
ALSO READ: Amid face-offs between Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, Kuki militant attacks Meitei villages
The Kuki Digital Narrative
Kuki-affiliated accounts on X have focused on documenting alleged atrocities against their community, highlighting displacement, loss of life, and destruction of property. Many accounts aim to generate international attention by framing their grievances as human rights violations.
Key Kuki-Affiliated Handles:
- @KukiRights
This account frequently posts images and videos of destroyed villages, displaced families, and alleged human rights violations. A recent post stated:
“#KukiLivesMatter. Innocent women and children are caught in a war they didn’t start. The world must intervene. #SaveManipur.”
- @KukiVoiceIntl
Focused on mobilizing the global Kuki diaspora, this handle shares detailed reports and calls for action. A post read:
“Manipur is burning, and so are our homes. @UNHumanRights must take notice of these atrocities. Silence is complicity.”
- @KukiMediaWatch
This handle critiques Indian mainstream media for allegedly biased coverage. In a post, it shared a clip from a TV debate, claiming:
“Media narratives are skewed against Kukis. This is why grassroots voices on social media are critical.”
This man says, “we will kill any kukis”.
Will Mr Biren shakthu give this to NIA? Why are these AT weilding sophisticated weapons with impunity? @NBirenSingh @Iam_amby @EastMojo @htTweets @ndtv @iamharmeetK @RavinderKapur2 @thewire_in @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/d8vWwbLqtL— Sominthang Doungel (@sominthang) December 27, 2024
- @KukiYouthFront
Organizing rallies and mobilizing youth, this account shared a video of a protest with the caption:
“Young voices demanding justice for Manipur’s forgotten people. We will not be silenced. #JusticeForKuki.”
- @KukiDefence
Highlighting the community’s self-defense efforts, this account shared a video of a village security team, stating:
“We won’t wait for protection. The Kukis will defend their homes and families.”
The Meitei Digital Narrative
On the other side, Meitei-affiliated accounts have centered their messaging around preserving their cultural identity, security concerns, and accusations against the Kuki community. These accounts often frame their actions as necessary to safeguard Meitei heritage and territorial integrity.
Key Meitei-Affiliated Handles:
- @MeiteiHeritage
Promoting cultural preservation, this account posted a video of a traditional dance, stating:
“In the face of adversity, our heritage stands strong. #MeiteiPride.”
- @MeiteiYouthCouncil
This handle shared a clip from a community rally, emphasizing unity:
“Meitei youth will not back down. Together, we rise to protect our homeland.”
- @MeiteiNewsNetwork
Providing updates from a Meitei perspective, it posted:
“Mainstream media won’t tell you the full story. Follow us for real-time updates. #MeiteiLivesMatter.”
- @MeiteiDefenders
Documenting self-defense measures, this handle shared a video of community patrols, captioned:
“Our people have taken up arms to defend what’s ours. We stand united.”
- @MeiteiSolidarity
Focused on fostering solidarity, it shared a viral hashtag campaign: - @LaishramDeepika: Providing update on the ongoing conflict
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@JohnnyMeetei: Highly critical of the Centre’s handling of the Manipur situation
At Saibol Post, #Kangpokpi, #Kuki men and women are blocking central forces during a vital combing operation against ##KukiZoterrorists.
Is this operation going to be stopped?
These people are openly supporting the #terrorists who are attacking #Meitei villages! When #Meiteis… pic.twitter.com/W3RjTJW815— Deepika92 (@LaishramDeepika) December 28, 2024
“#StandWithMeitei. This is not just a conflict; it’s about our survival.”
The Role of Viral Videos
Videos shared by both sides have added a visceral element to the online conflict, showing destroyed homes, displaced individuals, and community gatherings. While some videos aim to evoke empathy, others are weaponized to incite anger and rally support. For instance:
- A video posted by @KukiRights showed children walking through a burned village, accompanied by the caption:
“These are the faces of war. Innocence lost in Manipur’s turmoil.”
- Conversely, @MeiteiDefenders shared a video of villagers preparing for self-defense, stating:
“The government failed us, but we won’t fail ourselves.”
The Impact of Cyber Warfare
This digital
Yes Time to show the real authority of Law & Order is with the state govt under CM @nbirnsingh @manipur_cmo and not with loser @AmitShah.
Send all CFs specially Assam Rifles who are blocking state Police from doing its duty to Burma to issue passes to bring in more Burmese chin… https://t.co/rNIgVbbnnc pic.twitter.com/lInjSK1wN0— JJohnnymeitei (@JohnnyMeetei) December 27, 2024
escalation has far-reaching implications. The unchecked spread of misinformation has fueled mistrust and animosity between the communities. Viral hashtags like #KukiLivesMatter and #StandWithMeitei have trended globally, attracting both support and criticism.
The Indian government has occasionally stepped in to monitor and regulate content, but the vast scale of the conflict makes comprehensive oversight challenging. Analysts warn that the cyber dimension of the conflict could hinder reconciliation efforts, as entrenched narratives make dialogue increasingly difficult.
Expert Opinions
Digital warfare experts emphasize the dual-edged nature of social media. “Platforms like X do provide a platform to the voiceless but also are tools to spread misinformation,” says a conflict analyst.
Local activists also express concerns. A Meitei community leader on X, @MeiteiSolidarity, tweeted:
“Online hate is bleeding into the streets. We must tread carefully or risk losing any chance of peace.”
Conclusion
The Kuki-Meitei conflict on X reflects the growing role of social media in modern conflicts. While it empowers marginalized voices, it also heightens divisions and complicates conflict resolution. Moving forward, fostering digital literacy and promoting responsible online behavior will be crucial in mitigating the cyber spillover of this deeply entrenched conflict.
