Episode #266: We are joined by Kimi Colney and Makepeace Sitlhou, journalists covering the humanitarian crisis and ethnic conflicts along the Indo-Myanmar border in India’s northeastern states. They discuss the complex dynamics of this region, characterized by its diversity in ethnicity, language, and religion, and its physical and psychological isolation from the rest of India.
Kimi and Makepeace highlight how this area, often overlooked by India's central government, faces significant challenges in managing the influx of refugees fleeing the military junta's violence in Myanmar. Mizoram, one of the states in Northeast India, has shown solidarity with these refugees, despite the central government's orders to push them back. This support stems from a shared ethnic and cultural kinship between the local population and the refugees. However, the state's limited resources and the growing strain on local communities make the situation increasingly unsustainable.
In contrast, Manipur has been less welcoming, largely due to the political influence of the BJP, the ruling party in India. The state has seen tensions between local communities, particularly the Hindu Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribes, which has been exacerbated by the influx of refugees. The conversation also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, in particular, India’s diplomatic ties with Myanmar's military junta.
The two journalists emphasize the need for better awareness and understanding of the region's complexities both within India and internationally. They call for more comprehensive and nuanced coverage of the crisis, which is often ignored or oversimplified in the media.
“There is a gap that has to be bridged, both on the Indian and Myanmar side as well,” says Makepeace, and Kimi adds, “It's hard to see a bright future,” to the hope of any peaceful harmony coming soon to the region.