Across India, experiments to forge the ‘Hindu national community’ are predicated on the breakage of minoritised Muslims and Christians, and Adivasis and Dalits. What’s happening in Manipur is part of a plan operationalised by the Hindu Right decades ago.
Untouchability used to be practised systemically against Dalits, and is unfortunately making a comeback. If the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act were implemented in spirit and in letter by the police and the justice system, the dehumanising practise would stamp out.