The newly released book Manipur on Fire – Eyewitness to Ethnic Strife and Survival by journalist and author Rajan Chaudhary is a poignant account of the devastating ethnic clashes that unfolded in Manipur during 2023-present. Published by Notion Press, the book has swiftly climbed to bestseller status in Amazon’s “Literature” category, drawing attention for its detailed and unflinching portrayal of a state in turmoil.
The violence erupted on May 3, 2023, following protests against a controversial ruling by a Manipur High Court which directed the state government to recommend Scheduled Tribe status for the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley, a decision that triggered opposition from the hill-dwelling Kuki-Zo tribal community.
As per latest data, the death toll due to the conflict involving the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has reached 258. Thousands of homes and religious structures were destroyed, over 60,000 people were displaced, and rumours escalated tensions between the two communities.
Rajan Chaudhary’s book compiles first-hand accounts of these events, derived from his ground reporting in Manipur in August 2023. Navigating relief camps and conflict zones with limited resources and no security, Rajan documented the human cost of the violence.
From a mother’s desperate efforts to save her newborn to the struggles of a student attempting to study amidst the ashes of burnt books, the stories highlight the resilience of the affected individuals. Rajan described his work as “a voice for those whose stories remain unheard behind the headlines.”
The book also sheds light on the role of the Panghal Muslim community, which maintained neutrality during the conflict and facilitated safe passage for both the Meitei and Kuki groups. Muslim drivers, trusted by all parties, became crucial in ensuring movement between regions torn apart by distrust and hostility.
The dire conditions in relief camps, particularly for pregnant women and children, are another focal point. The lack of medical facilities, essential supplies, and sanitation exacerbated the suffering of the displaced. Rajan captures this grim reality with precision, offering readers a visceral sense of the challenges faced by the vulnerable.
The book does not shy away from exploring the deep-seated ethnic and political divisions that fuelled the conflict. It traces the historical grievances of the Kuki community regarding indigenous land rights and the socio-political dynamics that led to the eruption of violence. Rajan’s narrative reveals how a combination of legal decisions, rumours, and long-standing mistrust escalated into a humanitarian crisis.
Originally written in Hindi, “Manipur on Fire” was translated into English by senior journalist Geeta Sunil Pillai, making the stories accessible to a broader audience.
Rajan further described the book as “a record of Manipur’s reality and a warning to prevent future conflicts.” His dedication to reporting from perilous regions, facing extortion and repeated questioning, underscores the courage required to document such crises.
Know the Author
Rajan, 28, comes from a farming family in Basti, Uttar Pradesh. An independent journalist, he has earned recognition for his investigative reporting, including a significant RTI-based exposé during Yogi Adityanath’s first tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His work on education and social issues for The Mooknayak also garnered praise from Harvard University’s Nieman Reports.
The book is available on Notion Press, Flipkart, and Amazon. Through its vivid portrayal of the lives affected by the conflict, “Manipur on Fire” serves as a crucial resource for understanding the socio-political complexities of the region and the enduring spirit of its people.
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