Shooting the Sun Why Manipur Was Engulfed by Violence and the Government Remained Silent

by Nandita Haksar

264 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2023

Reviews

[Rexcy Ayekpam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many reviews have accused the book of being biased, and while I can see where they are coming from, I disagree with that assessment. At first glance, it may seem that Haksar is picking sides, but by the end, it becomes clear that this is not the case. The challenge lies in the fact that, as the saying goes, "first impressions are lasting," and if the early chapters give off a sense of partiality, readers may carry that impression throughout the book. However, Haksar’s work, at its core, represents the VOICE OF THE SUBALTERN—those whose voices often go unheard.

Nandita Haksar is a human rights lawyer, and this book reflects that in every way. While she does not have first-hand experience of the violence in Manipur from 2023, she has meticulously gathered information from newspapers and three personal acquaintances whose identities remain concealed at their request. Some might criticize this, arguing that an outsider cannot fully capture the plight of those directly involved. This is a fair point—no one can represent the suffering of a people better than those who experience it firsthand. However, Haksar’s focus is not on the emotional trauma alone, but on laying out the facts. And in many ways, an outsider is best positioned to present facts, as they are less likely to be influenced by personal bias.

One of the key strengths of the book is how Haksar dismantles several issues surrounding the conflict, such as the debate over the indigenous status of the Kukis. The distinction she draws between MIGRANTS and REFUGEES is crucial and enlightening. People should also understand the difference between being indigenous and being a citizen. Readers will come to understand the importance of differentiating these terms, especially in the context of this complex conflict. Throughout the book, she refrains from inserting her personal opinions and instead lets facts—whether from historical records or contemporary newspapers—speak for themselves. This factual approach makes it difficult to refute her arguments without sounding purely emotional or ungrounded.

However, one issue I had was Haksar’s lumping together of various ethnic groups—such as the Zou, Thadou, Vaiphei, and Paite—under the umbrella term KUKIS. While she argues that these groups were once united under the Kuki identity before later disowning it, I believe many people from these groups, would not appreciate being called Kuki today. Each group has its own distinct identity, and they should be recognized for that. That said, by the end of the book, I came to realize that this fragmentation and the CONSTANT REDEFINITION OF IDENTITIES has been a driving force behind many historical conflicts, and this case is no different.

Haksar also delves into deeper questions, such as WHO TRULY BENEFITS from this ongoing conflict? The people fighting on the frontlines are clearly not the ones who will profit. They are, in many ways, mere PAWNS IN A MUCH LARGER GAME. Through her analysis, Haksar touches on the possibility that figures like Modi, Ambani, and Adani could be eyeing the land for business purposes, adding yet another layer of complexity to the situation.

But DOES THIS BOOK PROMOTE PEACE? That’s a tricky question. Haksar’s intent is not to paint a rosy picture, but to present hard facts. History is rarely peaceful, and this book is a reflection of that. Whether or not peace can be drawn from its pages is up to the reader to decide.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?
Absolutely. I learned so much—especially about issues like how the Manipur government deals with young drug addicts and how parents sometimes turn their children over to insurgents, who resort to a dark form of rehabilitation where guns become the tools of recovery (though they teens aren't physically hurt, no violence used). This is just one of many eye-opening insights from the book.

For anyone looking to better understand the complex layers of the Manipur conflict, Shooting the Sun is essential reading.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Nandita Haksar`s compelling book “Shooting The Sun,” the complexities of Manipur`s ongoing violence are laid bare with meticulous detail and a critical eye. The Genesis of Violence: Unveiling Manipur`s Turmoil Haksar delves deep into the historical genesis of Manipur`s violence, tracing it back to the construction of Meitei identity and the intricate dynamics between tribals and non-tribals in the region.

She illuminates how ethnic identities, rooted in historical transformations and socio-economic disparities, have become central to the ongoing conflict, echoing themes of land disputes, cultural resurgence, and political aspirations. Ethnic Identity and Socio-Economic Struggles A significant narrative thread in the book is the dichotomy between tribal and non-tribal identities, which manifests in the struggle for recognition and access to resources.

Haksar highlights the Meiteis` quest to reclaim their indigenous roots and the ensuing tensions over land ownership, exacerbated by socio-economic disparities and external influences, including the scourge of narco-terrorism. The Narco-Terrorism Nexus: Unmasking Manipur`s Undercurrents Haksar meticulously explores the interplay between drugs, politics, and violence, shedding light on how the “war on drugs” declared by the Manipur government has widened ethnic fault lines.
Haksar`s narrative underscores the complex interplay between ethnicity, nationalism, and the rise of Hindutva, posing profound challenges to the region`s socio-political fabric.

She exposes the underlying socio-economic exploitation faced by Manipur`s youth, who migrate to urban centers seeking livelihoods amidst ethnic animosities. Her narrative compels readers to contemplate whether Manipur`s crisis is a harbinger of broader societal upheavals driven by vested interests and political expediency.

A Call to Action: Towards Substantive Politics In “Shooting The Sun,” Nandita Haksar crafts a poignant account that goes beyond headlines, providing a nuanced understanding of Manipur`s crisis and its broader implications for India`s political landscape. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of identity politics, socio-economic disparities, and the precarious interplay between power and violence in contemporary India.

[Swapna Peri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shooting the Sun by Nandita Haksar felt like having a brutally honest conversation about Manipur—one that many people shy away from. Haksar doesn’t just report what’s happening; she dives into the deep roots of the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Through her sharp analysis, I came to understand how identity, land disputes, and socio-economic inequalities have all collided to create a devastating reality in Manipur. What really hit me was how the war on drugs—something you'd think was a positive step—actually ended up worsening the situation. Haksar pulls no punches, pointing fingers at the political system, security forces, and even how Hindutva politics has crept into the region’s already fragile balance.

What makes this book powerful isn’t just the facts, it’s the way Haksar connects the dots between structural violence, youth migration, narco-politics, and the silence of those in power. I found myself thinking not just about Manipur, but about the larger picture of how identity politics, injustice, and opportunism are shaping India’s future. The book is part exposé, part reflection, and part warning. It left me with more questions than answers, but also with a renewed sense that we can't look away from these issues. Shooting the Sun isn’t an easy read—but it’s an essential one, especially if you care about democracy, justice, and the stories that often go unheard.

[ruvzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly enriching read, commendable for the amount of research and work that had been put in the writing of this book.

Going into the book, I was fully prepared for it to biased to the writer's opinion which made it quite a hard pick from my tbr, however upon reading the book, I have come to realize that the book, while mentioning certain views and opinions, is one of neutrality and optimism. It gives the reader a chance to fully understand the views of the common people, and how this conflict has severely impacted the mentality of the people of Manipur. The book delves further into the causes mentioned by the political powers and provides thoroughly research news on the validity and invalidity of their accusations.

All over, it was optimistic read where I found myself smiling at the afterword which was filled with hope and faith that the people would once again achieve peace and be civil with members of different communities again, and that forgiveness will be throughout, and accountability admitted.