Manipur Conflict Reignites

Fresh violence broke out in Manipur following the arrest of a senior member of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, prompting the reimposition of curfews and internet shutdowns across multiple districts. This development has escalated ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities that have persisted since May 2023.

Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

• History of Manipur
  • Cheitharol Kumbaba: Royal chronicles documenting Manipuri kings from 33 AD (Ningthouja dynasty).
  • Indigenous faith: Sanamahism practiced until early 18th century.
  • 1704: King Charairongba converts to Vaishnavite Hinduism, influencing cultural shift.
  • Son of Charairongba, Meidingu Pamheiba (Garib Nawaz) known for military campaigns, including conquest of Burmese capital.
  • 1891: Manipur became a Princely State under British rule after the Anglo-Manipur war.
  • 1947: Maharaja Bodhachandra signed the Treaty of Accession merging Manipur into India.
  • 1956: Became a Union Territory.
  • 1972: Granted full statehood.
• Ethnic Composition and Geography
  • Meiteis: ~52% population, primarily in Imphal Valley (only 10% of state land).
  • Kukis: ~25%, Nagas: ~15%, both mainly in Hill districts (90% of state land).
  • Article 371C grants special administrative protections to hill areas, reserved for tribals.
• Historical Ethnic Conflicts
  • British era: Kukis settled as buffer tribes against Naga raids in hills.
  • Kukis and Nagas were traditionally head-hunting warrior tribes.
  • Ethnic tensions existed historically between hill tribes and Meiteis.
  • 1950s onward: Rise of Naga insurgency escalated tensions.
  • Kukis militarized in 1990s with demand for ‘Kukiland’ (separate state).
  • Meiteis developed nationalism, fearing demographic and territorial loss.
  • 1993: Naga-Kuki clashes resulted in mass displacement.
• Causes of Violence & Unrest
  • Demographic dominance: Meiteis hold political power (40/60 MLAs) despite occupying 10% land.
  • Land issues: Meiteis restricted from buying land in hill districts; Kukis can buy land in Imphal Valley.
  • Perceived marginalization of Meiteis in ancestral lands due to ST protections in hills.
  • 2020 delimitation exercise contested by Meiteis over census data accuracy.
  • Drug trafficking and cross-border crime due to proximity to Golden Triangle.
  • Influx of Myanmarese refugees has fueled ethnic tensions.
  • Demands for greater autonomy or separate states by Kukis and Nagas.
  • Presence of insurgent groups and prolonged imposition of AFSPA, causing human rights concerns.
• Constitutional & Legal Context
  • Article 371C: Special administrative powers for hill areas.
  • AFSPA: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force due to insurgency.
  • Scheduled Tribe status granted to hill tribes but not to Meiteis, causing demands and unrest.
  • Inner Line Permit (ILP) demand by Meiteis for protection from outsiders.
• Implications of Manipur Violence:
  • Human Suffering: The violence leads to widespread loss of life and mass displacement, severely impacting the affected communities.
  • Gendered Violence: Women often bear a disproportionate burden, facing targeted violence that affects social cohesion and community trust.
  • Economic Disruption: Conflict destabilizes local economies, halts development projects, and creates cycles of poverty and unrest.
  • Social Fragmentation: Ethnic conflicts deepen mistrust and division between communities, undermining social harmony.
  • Militancy and Instability: Prolonged unrest provides fertile ground for extremist groups to grow, threatening long-term peace.
  • Cross-Border and Regional Security Concerns: Internal violence can strain relations with neighboring countries and complicate border management.
  • Policy and Strategic Challenges: Unrest hampers broader regional integration efforts and economic initiatives.
• Steps to Normalize the Situation:
  • Victim Rehabilitation: Effective recovery and rehabilitation require inclusive approaches involving affected communities and stakeholders.
  • Disarmament: Reducing the availability of weapons among civilians is critical to preventing further violence.
  • Combating Misinformation: Transparent and responsible communication helps prevent escalation caused by rumors and biased reporting.
  • Inclusive Dialogue and Negotiation
    Meaningful engagement with all ethnic groups fosters understanding and addresses grievances.
  • Ensuring Justice and Transparency: Fair and accountable governance builds trust in institutions and reduces alienation.
  • Reevaluating Community Classifications: Periodic reassessment of group identities and entitlements can address longstanding inequalities.
  • Border Security Enhancement: Strengthening surveillance and control prevents external destabilizing influences.
  • Security Force Reforms: Streamlining law enforcement responsibilities improves coordination and accountability.
  • Human Rights Focus: Balancing security with rights protections is essential for sustainable peace and trust-building.