Manipur violence is an ethnic clash and not religious: VHP Chief Alok Kumar

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is concerned over the ethnic clashes in Manipur, that is increasingly being projected as a religious clash between Hindus and Christians. VHP International working president Alok Kumar told ET: “We are concerned that this is being projected as a religious clash, which it is not. This is an ethnic clash between two communities and should be treated as such.” “The issue erupted with the High Court asking the state government to recommend Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis that led to fear of loss among the Kukis,” Kumar observed adding that the volatile issue needs careful handling at this point.

“We do not agree with the perception that is being built that it is a clash between the Hindus and the Christians,” he added. Kumar’s observations assume significance as the clash in Manipur has widely been portrayed as a religious clash across platforms. Speaking to ET exclusively, Kumar maintained that while peace remains the top priority in the region, VHP is trying to help the Meiteis across 300 relief camps, who had to leave the hills of the state.

Kumar further maintained that VHP is concerned about three fundamental issues connected with the strife which are not negotiable. “In the negotiation for peace, the government must not in any way permit poppy cultivation directly or indirectly,” Kumar said adding that curbing drug smuggling is essential as it is ruining the youth of the region. “Further, the practice of setting up villages by destroying the forests in the state will have to be stopped,” he added.