US National Security Adviser Sullivan met with Israel's Gallant once again, but it's not the only meeting stirring headlines. In a surprising move, the government of Manipur has designated Easter, a Christian holiday, as a regular working day, sparking controversy across the region. According to reports, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey announced that March 30-31 will be treated as regular workdays for government offices, corporations, and autonomous bodies. This decision has not gone down well, especially considering Easter Sunday falls on March 31 this year.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing various tribal groups, expressed concern over the decision, citing its impact on the Christian community. "Sunday is traditionally a day of rest, and Easter Sunday holds significant religious importance for many Christians in Manipur," a spokesperson for ITLF told Hindustan Times.

Additionally, the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, a prominent Naga student group, has called on the Manipur government to reverse its directive.

The backdrop to this controversy includes the recent ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kuki communities in Manipur. Last year's violence resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of over 50,000 individuals. The conflict stemmed from disputes over economic benefits and quotas between the Kuki tribal group and the Meiteis, who are the ethnic majority in Manipur.

The Meiteis have long sought special benefits, particularly in education and government jobs. Their demands gained momentum in April 2023 after the Manipur High Court endorsed their cause and set a mid-May deadline for the government to address it. However, extending these benefits to the Meiteis could potentially affect the existing quotas reserved for Kukis and Nagas.

Manipuri society is diverse, with Meiteis comprising half of the population, and various tribes, including Kukis, Zo, and Nagas, forming the rest. The Meiteis primarily inhabit the prosperous valley regions, which constitute only 10% of Manipur's territory, while the Nagas and Kukis reside predominantly in the less developed hills.

The development disparities between the valley and hill regions have exacerbated tensions between the different ethnic groups, leading to longstanding rivalries and occasional conflicts.

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