What the latest violence in Manipur reveals about its crisis

11/21/24 • 24 min

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Last week, Manipur witnessed what was perhaps the worst flare-up of violence since the initial days of the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zomi community, which began on the 3rd of May, 2023.
In this episode, The Indian Express’ Sukrita Baruah and Deeptiman Tiwary join us to discuss what triggered the recent killings, how the administration has responded, and what this reveals about the ongoing crisis and the state’s failure to resolve it.
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava
Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

Previous Episode

The Catch Up: 20 November

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 20th of November and here are the headlines.
Maharashtra and Jharkhand Elections Update
As of 3 pm, voter turnout in Maharashtra stands at 45.53%, while Jharkhand’s Phase 2 polling has recorded 61.47%. Maharashtra's 288 Assembly seats are in play, with the Mahayuti coalition facing off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi. In Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeks re-election while the BJP hopes to disrupt his plans. Voter engagement is key in these crucial contests, as both states head toward pivotal elections shaping the future of their leadership.
Bitcoin Allegations in Maharashtra Elections
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole have filed complaints with cyber police and the Election Commission over Bitcoin misappropriation allegations. Former IPS officer Ravindranath Patil accused them of using misappropriated Bitcoins to influence the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP has released voice notes, claiming a conspiracy, intensifying the controversy on the eve of voting. The investigation into these serious claims is now underway.
Delhi Air Quality and Work-from-Home Orders
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a 50% work-from-home policy for both private and government offices due to severe air pollution. The air quality index (AQI) hit a dangerous 430 on Wednesday, with areas like Mundka reaching 464. While slight improvements were noted, the city remains in a crisis. In response, Gurgaon has also implemented similar measures, urging residents to protect themselves from the ongoing hazardous air conditions.
Suicide Bombing in Pakistan
A suicide bomber attacked a security post in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan, killing 12 security personnel and injuring several others. The bombing, one of the deadliest in recent months, occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistani military responded to the attack, killing six militants from the Pakistani Taliban, or "khwarij," in the ensuing exchange of fire. This deadly assault marks a significant escalation in violence in the region.
US Embassy Closure in Kyiv
The US Embassy in Kyiv closed on Wednesday, citing concerns of a "potential significant air attack." Embassy employees were instructed to shelter in place as a precautionary measure. The closure follows heightened tensions after Ukraine's missile strike on Russia using US-provided ATACMS. The embassy's warning underscores the ongoing risks in the region, as the US and Ukraine face rising threats amid the ongoing conflict.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

Next Episode

The Catch Up: 21 November

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 21st of November and here are the headlines.
1. US Indicts Adani Group Executives for Bribery Scheme
In a major legal development, US prosecutors have indicted Gautam Adani, the chairman of Adani Group, along with seven others, accusing them of orchestrating a $250 million bribery scheme. The charges allege the group bribed Indian officials to secure power contracts in India. Alongside the indictment, the US SEC is seeking penalties and a jury trial for Adani and his associates, citing their operations in the US and impact on American investors.
2. Adani Bribery Scheme Details Revealed in US Court Filing
A US court filing reveals that over $228 million was allegedly paid in bribes to an unnamed high-ranking Andhra Pradesh official to secure solar power contracts. The bribe was part of a deal to help the Solar Energy Corporation of India purchase seven gigawatts of solar power. The filing doesn’t name the official or the companies involved, but details indicate this official served in Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024.
3. Rahul Gandhi vs. BJP on Adani Indictment
The political war over the Adani bribery case heats up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Indian government of supporting Gautam Adani, who was indicted in the US for allegedly offering over $200 million in bribes. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, accusing Congress of destabilizing Indian markets with false propaganda. He questioned why Congress-ruled states had welcomed Adani’s investments despite the controversy.
4. Supreme Court on Yasin Malik’s Trial in Tihar Jail
The Supreme Court of India raised concerns about conducting a fair trial for separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently serving life imprisonment in Tihar Jail. The court suggested setting up a courtroom within the prison for his trial in a 1989 kidnapping case. Justice Oka reminded that even Ajmal Kasab received a fair trial in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to due process, despite the challenges posed by remote hearings.
5. Ukraine Claims Russia Launched ICBM at Dnipro
In a shocking escalation, Ukraine reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro city. If confirmed, this would mark Russia's first use of an ICBM in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s air force said the missile was launched from Russia’s Astrakhan region. In response, Ukrainian forces intercepted six out of nine incoming missiles, marking a significant moment in the war as both sides intensify their military operations.
This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.