The Hottest Trend on Instagram: All Eyes on Rafah | Manipur in the Spotlight

Get in on the latest Instagram trend – “All Eyes on Rafah” is captivating the internet. But now, another trend is taking off: “But No Eyes on Manipur?” Discover the buzz today!

The ‘All eyes on Rafah’ trend, in which famous people and celebrities discuss the Israeli attack on Rafah, a southern city in Gaza that is devastated by conflict, last week, is a sensation on the internet. Likewise, the growing meme ‘But no eyes on Manipur?’ implies that while people discuss atrocities in other nations, they remain mute regarding the northeastern state. One prominent Manipur expert who has embraced the movement is Rami Desai.

What is being shared under the heading “But no eyes on Manipur”? trend

People have been drawing attention to the Manipur situation on social media by using the phrase and providing links to news stories and videos. Aside from the ethnic conflicts in the state, these posts emphasise the destruction brought about by natural calamities such as floods.
Over 220 have been killed and nearly 50,000 internally displaced. A year on, thousands are still living in relief camps in both the valley and hill areas.

Ethnic conflict broke out in the northeast Indian state of Manipur on May 3, 2023, between the Kuki-Zo tribal tribe from the surrounding hills and the Meitei people, the majority of whom reside in the Imphal Valley. As of May 3, 2024, 221 people had died and 60,000 people had been displaced due to unrest, according to official government data. Prior reports indicated that over 1,000 people were hurt and 32 went missing. 3,866 religious buildings, including churches and temples, were vandalised, and 4,786 homes were set on fire. Unofficial estimates are greater.

Manipur Dispute

A dispute over an affirmative action policy was the direct cause of the violence. In response to a writ suit, the Manipur High Court mandated on April 14, 2023, that the state administration submit a recommendation to the federal government regarding the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe status, which was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court. On May 3, peaceful protest marches were held by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur in response to Meitei requests for scheduled tribe recognition. Following one of these marches, home burning and fighting between Kuki and Meitei factions occurred close to the boundary between the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. Targeting the minority population in each location, the violence swiftly extended to the Kuki-dominated town of Churachandpur and the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley. Within a week, 10 Meiteis and 77 Kukis were slain, according to a news source.

The pattern started on May 27, when Israel shelled Rafah, the main refugee camp in Gaza where most of the refugees have sought safety from Israeli attacks. More persons were killed when flames from the burning tents spread over the area following the attack.