Context

The state of Manipur in India is currently grappling with ethnic tensions, particularly surrounding the proposed reconsideration of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of the Kuki-Zo community.

Background

• The Manipur conflict, which commenced in early May, stemmed from a High Court order suggesting the consideration of ST status for the Meitei community.
• This proposition faced opposition from the Kuki-Zo tribe, who perceive it as a potential dilution of their privileges due to the political and numerical dominance of the Meiteis in the state.
• Chief Minister's suggestion to review ST status has triggered strong reactions from Kuki-Zomi organizations, intensifying the ongoing ethnic conflict in the region.

Need for Review:

• The controversy emerged when MaheshwarThounaojam, a Meitei leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), submitted a representation to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, urging the exclusion of Kukis from Manipur's ST list.
• The Ministry forwarded the representation to the state government, emphasizing the need for the state's recommendation before any further action.

Government's Response:

• Possibility of forming a committee to discuss the ST status of Kukis in Manipur.
• This move, however, has been met with strong opposition from Kuki-Zomi organizations, accusing the state government of supporting Meiteis and exacerbating the existing ethnic conflict.

Kuki-Zo Tribe's Perspective:

• The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and KukiInpi, the apex body of Kuki tribes in Manipur, condemned any attempt to alter the ST status of the Kuki-Zo community.
• The ITLF accused the government of a coordinated effort with Meitei groups, asserting that removing the community from the ST list violates constitutional safeguards and perpetuates injustice and discrimination.

Zomi Council Steering Committee's Opposition:

• The Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC) joined the condemnation, considering the move a blatant attempt to rewrite history and widen existing divides.
• The ZCSC also opposed Chief Minister request to remove the Free Movement Regime along the Myanmar border, viewing it as a diversion from addressing the root cause of ethnic violence – the Meitei community's hunger for ancestral tribal lands and privileges.

Kuki-Zo Tribe:

• The Kuki-Zo tribe, primarily residing in Churachandpur district, has a rich cultural heritage.
• Comprising various tribal bodies, the ITLF serves as a significant voice for the Kuki-Zo community.
• Their demand for preservation of ST status aligns with their commitment to upholding constitutional safeguards and protecting their rights and land.