Imphal, Oct. 3: The violent campaign launched by Naga students against the use of Meitei script in four districts of Manipur has evoked angry reactions after the protesters targeted two passenger buses in Senapati district last week.
On Thursday, Naga youths smashed the windscreens of two Imphal-bound buses coming from Guwahati for using Meitei script on their numberplates and on the vehicles.
The All Naga Students Association of Manipur claimed responsibility for the attack. As part of its “non-co-operation movement”, the Ansam had “banned” the use of the Meitei script and screening of Manipuri films in Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong districts with effect from September 17.
The campaign followed the Okram Ibobi Singh government’s opposition to a bid to further the cause of Naga integration — the affiliation of private schools in the four districts to the Nagaland Board of School Education.
The attack on buses along National Highway 39 has sparked panic among operators in Imphal. With the students threatening to torch vehicles found bearing Meitei script numberplates, inter-state buses are plying on the highway only after erasing the local script. “We also stopped playing Manipuri songs in buses while passing through Senapati district,” a bus operator said.
No one has been arrested in connection with the attacks.
The United Committee, Manipur (UCM), which has been campaigning for the territorial integrity of Manipur, termed the attacks as an attempt to incite communal violence. “The attempt to ignite communal tension over an unrealistic dream (of Naga integration) will not bear fruit,” UCM assistant secretary, information, Ng Deba said in a statement. The UCM also pointed out that Manipuri language was included in the Eight Schedule.
Meelal deputy publicity secretary Kh. Chandrakanta termed it as an “uncivilised act”. The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation called for restraint on both sides, slamming the Ibobi Singh government for allowing the situation to “turn worse”.
Vehicles in Manipur switched to the local script following a diktat from the Meitei Erol Eyek Loinasinlon Apunba Lup (Meelal).
