"Corrupt Politics, Drug Cartels, and Militancy: Unraveling Manipur's Complex Web"

Introduction:
In the picturesque hills of Manipur, a tragic tale of duress, violence, and political manipulation unfolds, as elections are held under the ominous shadow of armed militants. At the center of this unsettling scenario lies the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), a militant underground organization that wields significant influence and perpetuates a climate of intimidation within the Kuki society. The UKLF's involvement in supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2017 elections, as confirmed by its chief, SS Haokip's  written testimony confirming their involvement in favor of BJP candidates, sheds light on the alarming state of affairs. The UKLF's backing was secured in exchange for the central government's promise to address their long-standing demand for a separate Kuki-land. 
The repercussions of this situation extend beyond politics and into the lives of innocent Kuki individuals who, unrelated to drugs or politics, find themselves restrained from openly opposing the militants and other Kuki citizens involved in illicit activities. The fear of consequences effectively denies them their rights and compromises their freedom to express dissent or free will since elections in the hills are held at gunpoint.

The Drug Cartel Divide:
Following the BJP's rise to power, a disturbing divide has emerged within the Manipur cabinet, with two factions associated with drug cartels vying for control. The first faction, led by Kuki legislators such as Nemcha Kipgen, engages primarily in the trade of poppy and heroin. Notably, the UKLF's main source of income stems from illegal poppy cultivation and trades. The second faction, headed by Meitei Chief Minister Biren Singh and his BJP cohorts, deals in marijuana (ganja), with assistance from Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa. Shockingly, plans were underway to convert government forest lands into natural habitats for ganja plants, indicative of the brazen nature of their operations.

Corruption Runs Deep:
Both factions, comprising corrupt MLAs and central government officials, have heavily invested in their drug operations. While Kuki MLAs dominate the poppy and heroin trade, Meitei MLAs led by CM Biren Singh, in collusion with the central government, have clandestinely attempted to legitimize their ganja operations. Several ganja research centers and farms were contracted to village chiefs in Kangpokpi, such as Mr. Lamminlian Vaiphei, S L, Mr. Kaphunkui Keishing, and Mr. Mangecha Vaiphei. (For detailed involvement, refer to the map details provided: https://rb.gy/1nnob).

Ganja's Industrial Scale Ambitions:
CM Biren Singh's grand vision includes expanding ganja operations in the hills of Manipur on an industrial scale to cater to the demand for marijuana exports. It is important to note that recreational marijuana remains illegal in India. However, recent amendments to the NDPS Act by the central government facilitate states' cultivation, processing, and trading of medical marijuana, which corrupt BJP officials exploit for their covert recreational purposes. By eradicating illegal poppy cultivation, they aim to establish ganja as a naturally grown plant under government jurisdiction, furthering their self-serving agendas. Coincidentally, many forest areas under government jurisdiction are illegally used for poppy cultivation by the aforementioned entities. This conflict of interests has ignited the present ethnic violence in Manipur.

Ethnic Violence and Power Struggles:
The ongoing violence in Manipur can be viewed basically as a conflict between these two factions in the cabinet, each employing the army and militants to further their interests. The immense financial investments made by these drug-dealing MLAs and certain central government officials make the implementation of President's Rule an unfeasible option. Consequently, the dissolution of the Manipur Legislative Assembly through President's Rule is not an option for theses MLAs, in order to safeguard their illicit investments, which are estimated to exceed 2000 crores. The plight of innocent citizens caught in the crossfire is not their immediate concerns.

The UKLF Factor and Manipur's Future:
The UKLF's understanding with the BJP government to settle their long-term demand for a separate Kuki-land has significant implications. However, the recent High Court order directing the consideration of the Meitei community for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list must have come as a shock to the Kuki rebels, especially the UKLF chief. As a protest against this order, the tribal solidarity march was organized by the UKLF on May 3, 2023 in which Meteis were not a part of. The outbreak of violence during the march was unrelated to the Meiteis unless there were provocative factors or premeditation involved. Subsequently, their focus changed from protesting ST inclusion to the demand for a separate administration. This demand by Kuki MLAs and stakeholders is masterminded and misguided by UKLF militants and drug traffickers, aiming to protect their illicit operations from interference. This demand, however, does not represent the broader aspirations of the common Kuki population, who lack the freedom to exercise their will due to intimidation.

A Call for Unity:
Consequently, the Kuki militants are orchestrating a proxy war against the government, pitting both communities against each other. Innocent citizens from both the Meitei and Kuki communities become casualties in this power struggle. It is crucial for the Meitei and Kuki communities to realize that they are not each other's enemies; rather, their common adversary is the corrupt government that perpetuates this cycle of violence and criminality.

Conclusion:
In the complex landscape of Manipur's politics, it is crucial for the Meitei and Kuki communities to recognize that they are not enemies but victims of a corrupt government. The interplay between corrupt politicians, drug cartels, and militant groups has created a climate of fear and violence, leaving innocent citizens caught in the crosshairs. Resolving Manipur's issues requires addressing the deep-rooted corruption, dismantling the drug cartels, and empowering the common citizens to exercise their rights freely. Only then can the state hope to pave a path towards peace, justice, and a brighter future for all.