Central Idea

• The recent communal riots in Manipur have led to unprecedented human displacement, loss of lives and property, and destruction of the geopolitical foundations of Manipur beyond any immediate repair. To secure future stability and peace, there is a need to confront the truth about the nature of these riots and their principal cause and take adequate measures to ensure institutional accountability, recognition, and accommodation of distinctive rights and identities.

What is the principal cause?

• The principal cause of the riots in Manipur is the failure of the state government to recognize and accommodate the territorial rights and identities of the different communities in the state.
• The state’s aggressive integrationist project, which seeks to dissolve tribal land rights in the valley areas, has been a major source of tension between the Meitei and tribal communities.
• Additionally, the lack of functional sub-state asymmetrical institutions and the weakness of the state-society model have contributed to the instability and ethnic security dilemma in the state.

Who are the Meiteis?

• Largest community: The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur.
• Community’s Language: They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
• Geographical Distribution: Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills. The Imphal Valley is dominated by the Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population. The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
• Major Festivals: festivals of meiteis are Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, Yaosang among others. Also, The Manipuri martial art Thang-ta had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule.

Need for recognition and accommodation: Illustration

• Recognition of territorial rights: The stability and integrity of a pillarized society like Manipur can only be secured through recognition of territorial rights and identities of all communities. This means recognizing the land rights and heritage of the Meiteis and the tribals in the hills.
• Substantive accommodation: In addition to recognition, it is necessary to provide substantive accommodation to different communities. This can involve granting tribal communities more autonomy in decision-making and representation in government.
• Genuine dialogue: Accommodation requires genuine dialogue between communities that is based on mutual respect and a willingness to compromise. This is crucial for building trust and reducing tensions.
• End of aggressive integrationist projects: The idea that one community should dominate others must be replaced with a more inclusive approach that values diversity and recognizes the rights of all communities.
• Working institutions: Accommodation requires that institutions function effectively and equitably. The weak state-society model in Manipur needs to be strengthened and institutional trust and legitimacy must be restored.
• Respect for differences: Recognition and accommodation require a respect for differences and a commitment to finding common ground. This can be facilitated by an appreciation of the historical pedigree of extant sub-State constitutional asymmetry and a willingness to address the concerns of all communities.

Way ahead: Steps to promote State-building

• Strengthening state institutions: The state government should focus on building strong and effective institutions that can deliver basic services to citizens, maintain law and order, and protect the rights of all communities. This could involve reforming the police force, improving the efficiency of the bureaucracy, and strengthening the judiciary.
• Promoting inclusivity: The state government should ensure that all communities, including tribal and non-tribal groups, have equal access to government services and are included in the political process. This could involve implementing affirmative action policies and promoting dialogue between different communities.
• Improving infrastructure: The state government should invest in improving infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and electricity, to promote economic growth and development. This could help reduce poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
• Addressing grievances: The state government should address the grievances of different communities, including land rights issues, to build trust and promote peace. This could involve setting up a judicial commission to investigate past violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
• Building regional partnerships: The state government should work with other states in the region and the central government to promote regional cooperation and address common challenges. This could involve promoting trade and investment, sharing resources, and collaborating on regional security issues.

Facts for prelims: Major tribes of Manipur

Conclusion

• Serious and concerted inter-community reconciliation efforts must be initiated immediately if Manipur as an inclusive idea and a geopolitical space of accommodation were to be revived. Any prolonged conflagrations will be mutually destructive and self-defeating. The government must adopt even-handedness in its dealing with diverse communities and must not cave into the pressure of the majority in the future.

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