Manipur Conflict Reasons and Clashes between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur

The ongoing Manipur conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has escalated into a significant ethnic and territorial dispute. The tensions between these two groups have led to violent clashes, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and social instability.

Manipur’s ongoing crisis is a complex mix of ethnic conflict, tribal insurgency, drug trafficking, and infiltration from Myanmar. Despite India’s track record in handling insurgencies and terrorism, the situation in Manipur has deteriorated due to a lack of effective political and strategic measures.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the Manipur conflict, the causes of clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis, and its broader implications for the state and India.

Background of Conflict in Manipur

• On May 3, 2023, ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, India, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
• This conflict was triggered by a peaceful protest organized by the All Tribal Student Union of Manipur (ATSUM) against a recommendation from the Manipur High Court to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.
• The protest escalated into violence, leading to significant destruction and loss of life.

Underlying Causes

The violence is rooted in longstanding tensions exacerbated by several government policies perceived as anti-Kuki:

• The Manipur High Court’s recommendation for ST status for Meiteis.
• The “war on drugs” targeting Kuki-majority hill districts.
• The imposition of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• Eviction drives in Kuki villages under claims of encroachment on state forest land.

These policies have intensified existing ethnic rivalries between hill and valley communities in Manipur.

The situation is complicated by external factors such as:

• The civil war in neighboring Myanmar affected local dynamics.
• Increased involvement from insurgent groups and armed factions on both sides.

Demands of Both tribes

• Kuki groups have demanded a separate autonomous legislative assembly for Kuki-dominated areas.
• Meitei groups are advocating for the preservation of territorial integrity.

Despite attempts at dialogue, both communities remain divided, with a lack of trust exacerbated by ongoing violence.

Regional Implications and Challenges in Manipur

• Shift in Perceptions: The prolonged conflict has caused a significant and irreversible change in how the people of Manipur view each other and the central government.
• Impact on Tourism and Infrastructure: The region had started attracting domestic and international tourists, with improving infrastructure connecting it to mainland India via railways. However, the violence has disrupted this progress.
• Increased Division: The ongoing violence has deepened the divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
  • Many individuals feel unsafe in areas dominated by rival ethnic groups, leading to large-scale migration to safer regions like Assam and Mizoram.
  • Example: According to a report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2023 conflict and violence in South Asia led to 69,000 displacements, with the Manipur violence contributing to 67,000 of these.
• Educational Disruption: Schools and educational institutions have closed due to the conflict, and internet shutdowns have hindered online learning, pushing youths towards militancy as a means of survival.
• Economic Consequences: Retail inflation reached 9.7% in September 2023, causing economic insecurity, while attacks on farmers and road blockages raised food security concerns.
• Mental Health Crisis: There has been a rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases since the violence began, exacerbating mental health issues among the affected populations.
• Geopolitical Importance: Manipur’s strategic location as a border state with Myanmar makes it crucial for India’s Act East Policy (AEP), which aims to enhance cultural links, trade, tourism, and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
• China’s Influence: Instability in Manipur could benefit China, especially given its growing power and influence in conflict-ridden Myanmar.
• International Concerns: The ongoing conflict has tarnished India’s global image, drawing serious concerns from organizations such as Human Rights Watch, the European Union, the United Nations, Genocide Watch, and the United States.

Solutions for Unrest in Manipur

Key Issues

• Law and Order vs. Political Solution: The situation is treated primarily as a law and order problem, lacking meaningful political initiatives and confidence-building measures.
  • A “healing touch” is missing, contributing to a worsening crisis.
• Missed Opportunities: During lulls in violence, the government could have initiated dialogues and formed peace committees to reconcile differences.
• Failure to Implement WHAM Strategy: WHAM (Winning Hearts and Minds) approach, essential in tribal conflicts, has not been effectively deployed.

Proposed Remedial Measures

• Prime Minister’s Visit: A visit by the PM could signal seriousness and potentially ease tensions.
• President’s Rule and New Leadership: Recommend declaring President’s Rule and appointing a governor with experience in counter-insurgency operations.
• Administrative Overhaul: Replace officers hesitant to take decisive action with more proactive personnel.
• Integrity of Manipur: Maintain a firm stance on the state’s territorial integrity.
• Unified Command Action: Target three groups regardless of ethnicity:
  • Perpetrators of violence or those inciting it.
  • Individuals giving a religious color to the conflict (vandalism of religious sites).
  • Drug traffickers.
• Disarmament: Disarm people holding unlicensed weapons with a clear deadline and enforce the National Security Act for violations.
• Peace Committees: Form peace committees at district and state levels with representation from all communities and tribes.

Pathways to Peace

• Prioritise Dialogue: Focus on facilitating dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki communities rather than relying solely on military intervention.
• Community-Led Solutions: Solutions must arise from within the communities themselves, supported by other ethnic groups in Manipur.
• Formation of Peace Committees: Create a peace committee that includes representatives from all communities except Meiteis and Kukis to ensure objectivity and inclusivity.
• Role of Civil Society Organizations: Local civil society organizations should work towards rebuilding trust between communities and conduct awareness programs to combat misinformation.
• Government Support for Trust-Building: The state government should provide financial assistance and security for community-led peace efforts.
• Engagement with Youth: The central government should explore educational opportunities for affected youths to prevent them from joining insurgent groups or engaging in illicit activities.
• Special Relief Packages: Targeted relief packages should be developed for displaced individuals, focusing particularly on women and children affected by the conflict.
• Regulating Borders: To combat drug trafficking and prevent instability linked to Myanmar’s conflicts, regulating the porous India-Myanmar border is essential through selective fencing and increased manpower at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

One Year After the Manipur Violence

The conflict began in May 2023, initially sparked by Kuki protests against the Meitei community’s demands for Scheduled Tribe status. This led to widespread violence, resulting in over 220 deaths and displacing around 60,000 people.

A Path Forward

Dialogue and Reconciliation

Experts emphasize the importance of dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki communities to foster trust and understanding. Only through sustained engagement can a foundation for lasting peace be built.

Government Responsibility

The state and federal governments must play a critical role in facilitating peace talks, ensuring justice for victims, and implementing policies that address socioeconomic disparities. Comprehensive development initiatives can help mitigate tensions and promote unity.

Conclusion

The Manipur conflict serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding ethnic identities in India. As UPSC aspirants, understanding this issue is essential for comprehending the broader implications of communal tensions on national integrity and governance. A multifaceted approach involving dialogue, government intervention, and community engagement is crucial for restoring peace and stability in Manipur.

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