Manipur Ethnic Violence has become a significant concern, reflecting deep-rooted ethnic tensions in the region. In recent years, clashes between different ethnic groups have escalated, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread displacement of people. These violent outbreaks are often fueled by historical grievances, competition for resources, and political instability. The situation in Manipur highlights the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and effective conflict resolution strategies to bring peace and stability to the area. Addressing the underlying causes of the violence is crucial for ensuring long-term harmony and development in the region.
Tags: GS – 3, Internal Security- Issues Related to SCs & ST— Govt. Policies & Interventions — North East Insurgency
For Prelims: Meitei Tribe, Kuki Tribe, Naga Tribe, 6th schedule, Inner Line Permit (ILP), Lokur Committee 1965, Bhuria Commission, Xaxa Committee, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
For Mains: Issues related to North-East region, Ethnic conflicts, Demand for 6th Schedule and issues related to ILPs.
Context:
- Following a critical speech by Congress MP Bimol Akoijam questioning PM Modi’s silence on Manipur’s crisis, Modi addressed Parliament, acknowledging the ethnic conflict and claiming adequate steps were taken to restore order.
- He urged for peace and stability beyond politics, blamed Congress for past mishandling of similar incidents, and suggested deep-rooted social tensions in the state.
Reasons for the Rise of Insurgency in Manipur:
- Forced Merger:
- The rise of separatist insurgency in Manipur is largely attributed to the perceived discontent over the “forced” merger of Manipur with the Union of India and the subsequent delay in granting it full-fledged statehood.
- The erstwhile Kingdom of Manipur was merged with India on 15th October 1949, but it became a state only in 1972.
- Rise of Militancy:
- In the later years, several militant outfits were formed, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).
- These valley-based outfits have been demanding an independent Manipur.
- Spillover Effect of Greater Nagalim Demand:
- The Naga movement in neighbouring Nagaland spilled over into Manipur’s hill districts, with the NSCN-IM controlling most of it while pressing for “Nagalim” (Greater Nagaland), which is perceived in the valley as a “threat” to Manipur’s “territorial integrity”.
- Valley-Hills Conflict:
- While the hills account for nine-tenths of Manipur’s geographical area, they are sparsely populated, with most of the state’s population concentrated in the valley.
- The Meitei community forms a majority in Imphal valley, while the surrounding hill districts are inhabited by Nagas and Kukis.
- Naga-Kuki Conflict:
- In the early 1990s, ethnic clashes between Nagas and Kukis led to the formation of several Kuki insurgent groups, which have now scaled down their demand from a separate Kuki state to a Territorial Council.
- The Continuance of insurgency led to the formation of smaller outfits like the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), People’s United Liberation Front (PULF), and other splinter groups.
Recent context:
- The Manipur High Court (HC) directed the State to pursue a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community.
- The court has instructed the government to review the petitioners’ case and submit its recommendation within four weeks of receiving the order.
- All-Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) organised a “tribal solidarity rally” against the alleged move to include the Meiteis on the ST list.
- Since February 2023, Manipur, a Northeastern state, has experienced violent clashes among various ethnic groups.
- Tensions escalated on May 3 when a tribal student union held a protest march against the non-tribal Meitei community’s demand to be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.
- The demonstration turned violent, prompting law enforcement to impose a curfew and authorise shoot-at-sight measures to restore order.
About the Meiteis Tribe:
- The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur, predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley.
- They speak the Meitei language, also known as Manipuri, which is an official language of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
- Geographically, the Imphal Valley is their stronghold, comprising over 64% of the state’s population, while the surrounding hills, covering 90% of Manipur’s area, are inhabited by various tribal communities, many of whom are Christians.
- Major festivals of the Meiteis include Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, and Yaosang. Additionally, the Manipuri martial art Thang-ta originated from Meitei knights during the kingdom’s rule.
What is the Meitei argument to support the demand of ST status?
- Background: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) initiated their campaign for ST status for the Meiteis in 2012.
- Historical Context: The Meiteis were recognized as a tribe before Manipur’s merger with India in 1949.
- Importance of ST Status: The ST status is seen as essential for preserving their community, ancestral land, culture, and language, amid concerns of demographic shifts and land ownership dynamics in Manipur.
- Statehood Impact: Since Manipur’s transition to statehood in 1972, the Meiteis have expressed concerns about being marginalised in their own land.
- External Influences: Concerns have been exacerbated by movements by Naga and Kuki groups, impacting Meitei nationalism and demographic stability.
- ILP Demand: Demands for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Manipur from 2006-12 aimed to restrict outsider influx, reflecting fears of demographic change and land ownership dynamics.
- Impact of Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development and government employment dynamics favouring STs have further heightened insecurities among the Meitei community in Manipur.
The process of inclusion in the ST list:
- State governments initiate recommendations for inclusion of tribes in the ST list.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry reviews the recommendations and forwards them to the Registrar General of India under the Home Ministry for approval.
- After approval, the recommendations are forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
- The NCST submits the recommendations to the Cabinet for a final decision.
- Upon Cabinet approval, a bill is introduced in Parliament to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
- The amendment bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The President then gives assent under Articles 341 and 342 of the Constitution, finalising the inclusion of tribes in the ST list.
Tribal groups’ opposition to the ST Status:
- Advantaged Community Argument:
- Many tribal groups argue that the Meiteis already hold demographic and political advantages, and are academically and socioeconomically advanced compared to them.
- Impact on Job Opportunities and Land Acquisition:
- Tribal groups fear that granting ST status to the Meiteis would result in job losses for them and enable the Meiteis to acquire land in the hills, potentially displacing tribal communities.
- Existing Benefits:
- The Meitei language is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and many Meiteis already benefit from reservations under SC, OBC, or EWS categories.
- Political Motivations:
- Some view the demand for ST status as a tactic to undermine the political aspirations of Kuki and Naga groups.
- It’s also seen as a strategy by the dominant valley communities to expand their influence into the hill areas of Manipur.
What led to the recent Unrest?
- Delimitation Process Dispute:
- In 2020, during Manipur’s first delimitation process since 1973, the Meitei community contested the Census figures used, claiming they inaccurately represented the population distribution.
- Meanwhile, Kuki and Naga tribes argued they constituted 40% of the state’s population but were underrepresented in the Assembly.
- Influx of Migrants from Myanmar:
- Following the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, there has been a refugee influx into India’s Northeast.
- Meitei leaders allege rapid village expansion in Churachandpur district, raising concerns about demographic changes.
- Drug Menace and Tribal Opposition:
- Some tribal groups, allegedly with vested interests, oppose the government’s anti-drug efforts.
- This opposition includes illegal cultivation on cleared lands by settlers associated with the Kuki-Zomi communities, undermining drug eradication campaigns.
- Forest Evictions and Recent Unrest:
- The eviction of residents from Kuki villages in the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest area sparked violent protests.
- Authorities labelled these settlements illegal, accusing residents of encroaching on protected lands for poppy cultivation and drug trade.
- Legal and Political Responses:
- Kuki groups argue that the eviction violates Article 371C, asserting their status as hill area residents.
- Article 371C mandates a committee in the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the hill areas, complicating state-level governance and responses to such conflicts.
- Government Action and Extremist Groups:
- The state government terminated suspension of operations agreements with two Kuki extremist groups accused of inciting protests, signalling a tougher stance on internal security challenges.
Way forward:
- Criteria for ST Status Evaluation:
- Evaluate criteria for granting ST status to Meiteis based on recommendations from committees like the Lokur Committee (1965), emphasising primitive traits, distinct culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact, and backwardness.
- Incorporate insights from the Bhuria Commission (2002-2004) and the High-Level Committee (HLC, 2013) chaired by Prof. Virginius Xaxa, addressing critical issues such as livelihoods, education, health, displacement, migration, and legal matters.
- Border Surveillance and Regional Diplomacy:
- Enhance border surveillance to prevent Myanmar migrant incursions, bolstering economic and diplomatic ties with neighbouring nations to strengthen regional stability and security.
- Preserving Local Identity and Peace Settlements:
- Maintain local identity in border areas through robust surveillance to identify residents, while pursuing peace settlements with local insurgent groups to ensure regional peace and stability.
- Repealing AFSPA and Ensuring Fair Legal Practices:
- Repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA, 1958) to improve human rights standards in the region.
- Ensure the legal system is fair and transparent, preventing misuse of power by security forces.
- Inclusive Decision-Making and Community Engagement:
- Foster greater participation of regional communities in decision-making processes to cultivate a sense of ownership and belonging, promoting sustainable development and peacebuilding initiatives.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Prelims:
Q:1 Consider the following pairs: (2018)
| Tradition | State | |
| 1. | Chapchar Kut festival | Mizoram |
| 2. | Khongjom Parba ballad | Manipur |
| 3. | Thang-Ta dance | Sikkim |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
Ans: (b)
Q:2 If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)
- This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
- This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
- This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
- The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q:1 What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017)
Source: TH
FAQs
Q: What is Manipur Ethnic Violence?
- Answer: Manipur Ethnic Violence refers to conflicts between different ethnic groups in Manipur, a state in northeastern India. These clashes often stem from historical tensions, competition for resources, and political disputes.
Q: Why did the Manipur Ethnic Violence start?
- Answer: The violence started due to longstanding issues like ethnic identity, land ownership, and political representation. Specific incidents or government policies can trigger these underlying tensions, leading to violent clashes.
Q: Who are the main groups involved in Manipur Ethnic Violence?
- Answer: The main groups involved include the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities. Each group has its own distinct identity and claims over land and political power in the region.
Q: What are the impacts of Manipur Ethnic Violence?
- Answer: The impacts include loss of lives, displacement of people, destruction of property, and long-term socio-economic disruptions. It also hampers development and creates a climate of fear and mistrust.
Q: What is being done to resolve Manipur Ethnic Violence?
- Answer: Efforts to resolve the violence include government interventions, peace talks, and negotiations among community leaders. NGOs and civil society groups also work towards reconciliation and promoting mutual understanding among the ethnic groups.
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