An essay on Manipur ethnic clash:
Manipur is a state in the north-eastern region of India, bordering Myanmar. It has a diverse population of about 3 million people, belonging to various ethnic groups such as Meitei, Kuki, Naga, Zomi, Pangal and others. The state has witnessed several episodes of ethnic violence in its history, often involving land disputes, political aspirations and identity issues. The most recent outbreak of violence occurred in May 2023, when clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities over the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the former.
The Meitei community is the largest and dominant ethnic group in Manipur, constituting about 50% of the population. They live mostly in the Imphal Valley, which is the central and most developed part of the state. The Meitei have been demanding inclusion under the Scheduled Tribe category for years, claiming that they are indigenous to Manipur and have suffered discrimination and marginalization by the central government and other communities. The Scheduled Tribe status would grant them special rights and privileges such as reservation in government jobs, education and political representation, as well as access to forest lands and resources.
The Kuki-Zomi community is a collective term for various tribal groups that inhabit the hills surrounding the Imphal Valley. They constitute about 30% of the population and are recognized as Scheduled Tribes by the Indian Constitution. The Kuki-Zomi have opposed the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, fearing that it would dilute their own rights and benefits, as well as threaten their land and identity. They have also accused the Meitei of encroaching on their ancestral lands and resources, and of being involved in drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
The tension between the two communities reached a boiling point in April 2023, when the Manipur High Court directed the state government to make a decision on the Meitei demand within four weeks. The state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had been accused of favouring the Meitei community and ignoring the grievances of the tribal people. The All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a solidarity march in all hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei demand. The march turned violent when some participants attacked Meitei villages and properties along the border of Churachandpur district, which is adjacent to the Imphal Valley. The violence soon spread to other districts, resulting in arson, rioting, rape and killings.
According to official sources, at least 142 people have been killed in the violence as of July 4, with more than 300 injured and over 54,000 displaced. The victims include both civilians and security personnel. The Indian Army deployed around 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces to restore law and order in the state. A curfew was imposed in several districts and internet services were suspended for five days. The army was given shoot-on-sight orders to enforce the curfew in extreme cases.
The violence has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including human rights groups, civil society organizations, political parties and religious leaders. The United Nations has also expressed concern over the situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint and respect human rights. Several peace initiatives have been taken by various stakeholders to resolve the conflict through dialogue and reconciliation. However, the situation remains tense and volatile, with no clear solution in sight.
The Manipur ethnic clash is a tragic example of how ethnic diversity can turn into ethnic conflict when there is a lack of trust, dialogue and respect among different communities. It also exposes the failure of governance and development in addressing the root causes of such conflicts, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination and marginalization. The need of the hour is to foster a culture of peace and harmony among all sections of society, based on mutual understanding, tolerance and cooperation. Only then can Manipur achieve its true potential as a vibrant and prosperous state in India.
