Published: 11th Jan, 2024
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.
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