Mentor’s Comment: Since 2012, there has been a constant demand led by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for granting the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. On 20 April 2023, a judge of the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The Kuki community feared that the ST status would allow the Meiteis to purchase land in the prohibited hilly areas and hence the total shutdown began.

The ongoing crisis in Manipur, a northeastern state of India, highlights the complexities of managing ethnic diversity in a region marked by historical grievances and socio-political dynamics. Today’s editorial examines the roots of the conflict, the government’s response, and potential pathways to peace.

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Why in the News?

Since May 2023, over 250 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced due to ongoing ethnic clashes primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence has intensified again, with at least 11 casualties reported in September 2024.

What are the historical and socio-political factors contributing to the Manipur crisis?

1) Historical Factors:

• Colonial Legacy: Manipur was an independent kingdom before British colonization. In the year 1891 Manipur became a Princely State under British Rule after the Anglo-Manipur War.
  • Later, the Britishers employed a “divide and rule” strategy, which resulted in tensions between the valley-dwelling Meitei and the hill tribes, including the Kukis and Nagas.
• Forced Merger into India: In 1947, Maharaja Budhachandra signed a Treaty of Accession merging Manipur into India. This merger occurred without adequate consultation with local leaders, leading to widespread discontent among various ethnic groups.
• Insurgency and Ethnic Clashes: The rise of insurgent groups in the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by demands for autonomy or independence, has led to ongoing violence.
• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was introduced in 1980 to manage insurgency but has resulted in increased militarization and human rights abuses, further inflaming local grievances.

2) Socio-Political Factors

• Ethnic Identity and Land Rights: Conflicts over land ownership and ethnic identity are central to the crisis. The Meitei community’s recent demand for Scheduled Tribe status has intensified fears among Kukis and Nagas regarding their rights and land security.
• Government Policies: Central government policies perceived as favoring certain ethnic groups have led to resentment among others. For instance, the withdrawal from Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki militant groups has raised tensions.
• Economic Disparities: Developmental disparities between the valley and hill regions have fueled resentment, as marginalized communities feel neglected by state initiatives.
• Drug Trade and Economic Exploitation: The proximity to the Golden Triangle and porous international borders make Manipur vulnerable to drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
• 2023 Violence: A court order regarding Scheduled Tribe status for the Meiteis sparked violent protests, leading to significant casualties and displacement. This incident underscores the fragile nature of inter-community relations in Manipur.

How has the Indian government’s response impacted the situation in Manipur?

• Military Deployment: The government deployed approximately 17,000 troops and this heavy military presence led to allegations of human rights abuses and a deepening trust deficit between the state and local communities.
  • Curfews were imposed across multiple districts which disrupted daily life and hindered communication among communities.
• Central Government’s 100-Day Plan: The resolution of the Manipur conflict is part of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s 100-day plan. It has also faced criticism for being slow and lacking transparency regarding concrete actions.

• Humanitarian Response: The government has initiated compensation packages for affected farmers but faces challenges in addressing the broader humanitarian needs of displaced populations.
• Long-Term Stability Concerns: The situation is compounded by geopolitical factors involving neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, necessitating innovative solutions from the government to ensure long-term peace in the region.

What Manipur needs to do?

• In light of the unique challenges faced by Manipur, it is essential to recognize that, unlike other northeastern states, its District Council lacks veto power, leading to heightened anxieties over over-representation and resource allocation.
• Thus, true peace and solutions for diversity must be cultivated through Constitutional evolution and Democratic processes, rather than superficial measures.