CM Biren provides solution to Kuki-Zo’s fictional narratives on Manipur

In 2021, the Meitei temple at Koubru experienced an attack by Kuki miscreants. Koubru, an ancient worship site in Manipur, holds great significance for many Meitei people who consider it the cradle of Manipuri civilizations. The arrival of Kuki migrants, along with their encroachment on the mountain range, ignited conflicts. Attempting to expel Meitei cultural sites, Kuki miscreants not only encroached but also sought to change the name of the mountain range. This situation resulted in severe ethnic tension between Kukis and Meities, which was eventually resolved after the arrest of the miscreants. Similar challenges have emerged in the abode of Lord Thangjing, where a cross now stands atop Thangjing, with Kukis proposing to rename the range as Thanting.
Furthermore, several old Meitei neighborhoods in the valley areas have undergone transformation into Kuki neighborhoods, now bearing Kuki names. Attempts are being made to alter the names of towns such as Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
In addition to attempting to change the names of these places, Kukis construct fictitious oral narratives to support their claims. These ficticious claims include the invention of the Anglo-Kuki war and the narrative that they were not part of the merger agreement between India and Manipur, asserting that their chiefs were not consulted. They conveniently overlook the fact that Manipur was a constitutional monarchy and a democratic country during its merger with India, not a chieftainship. So, why would the chiefs be asked anyway.
These ficticious narratives have fueled a political crisis in the state, exacerbating the ongoing conflict. The attempts to alter place names are part of the Kuki militants’ designs to expand their territory and claim more land within the territory of other communities.
In response to these challenges, Chief Minister Biren Singh introduced a bill in the assembly. The Manipur Names of Places Bill, 2024, aims to address the use of unauthorized names of places within the state, proposing penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. Recognizing the administrative challenges posed by unauthorized place names, the government seeks to ensure proper nomenclature, prevent confusion, and maintain social order within Manipur.
The bill also recommends the creation of a seven-member “Place Names Committee” to oversee the naming or alteration of places. Chaired by a person appointed by the state government from retired All India Services Officers below 65 years of age, this committee holds exclusive authority in recommending changes. The bill emphasizes the establishment of a structured framework, involving a systematic and regulated process for naming or altering places. By entrusting this responsibility to a specialized committee, the government aims to approach the matter thoughtfully and deliberately to minimize confusion and maintain administrative order in Manipur. However, such initiatives should have been taken much earlier to prevent the current situation.