Background:

• Tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur have once again broken out into violence, putting the decades-long conflict to the surface.

• The start of this episode is unclear, with different stories about what happened in Churachandpur, which is mostly Kuki, and Imphal East District, which is mostly Meitei.

• As the violence grows, the complex social and political issues involved in the conflict need to be looked at in detail in order to find the reasons and possible answers.

Contestation over Ethnic Indigeneity:

Background: –

• Manipur was a princely state under colonial rule. –
• It integrated into the Union of India in October 1949.
• It became a Union Territory in 1956. – It achieved full statehood in 1972.
• Ethnic Indigeneity: – There is ongoing debate and disagreement regarding the ethnic indigeneity of Manipur.
• Ethnic Groups in the State – Meiteis – Nagas – Kukis Ethnic Groups in Manipur Majority Group: Meiteis The Meiteis are the largest ethnic group in Manipur.
• They mainly live in the Imphal valley and the surrounding areas.
• Scheduled Tribes: Nagas and Kukis The Scheduled Tribes in Manipur consist of two main groups: Nagas and Kukis.
• They primarily inhabit the hilly regions of the state.

Emergence of Militant Groups

In Manipur since the 1960s In the 1960s, Manipur has seen the rise of different militant groups.

These groups claim to represent the interests and concerns of various ethnic communities in the region.

Struggle for Separate Homeland: Kukis and Nagas The Kukis and Nagas have been involved in a struggle for a separate homeland.

This pursuit contradicts the Meiteis’ commitment to protecting the state’s territorial integrity.

Security Challenges in Manipur: The Myanmar Border Introduction: Manipur, a region in India, faces significant security challenges due to its extensive border shared with Myanmar. This border is characterised by ungoverned territory and interconnected relationships among militant groups.

Extent of the Border: The border between Manipur and Myanmar is quite extensive, creating a unique security situation for the region. The length of this border contributes to the complexity of managing security in the area.

Ungoverned Territory: One of the key characteristics of the Manipur-Myanmar border is the presence of ungoverned territory. This means that certain areas along the border lack effective governance and control, creating a potential haven for illegal activities and militant groups. Interconnected Relationships: Another factor that adds to the security challenges in Manipur is the interconnected relationships among militant groups spanning the border. These groups often collaborate and support each other, making it difficult to address security concerns in a localised manner.

Heightened Security Challenges: The combination of an extensive border, ungoverned territory, and interconnected militant groups significantly heightens the security challenges faced by Manipur. This requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure the safety and stability of the region.

Key Issues Contributing to Ethnic Conflicts in Manipur

1. Historical Background – Understanding the historical context of Manipur and its diverse ethnic groups. – Examining past events and conflicts that have shaped the current situation.
2. Ethnic Diversity – Recognising the presence of multiple ethnic groups in Manipur. – Exploring the differences in language, culture, and identity among these groups.
3. Competition for Resources – Analysing the competition for limited resources such as land, water, and natural resources. – Investigating how this competition has fueled tensions and conflicts between ethnic groups.
4. Political Marginalization – Highlighting the political marginalisation of certain ethnic groups in Manipur. – Examining how this marginalisation has led to feelings of exclusion and resentment.
5. Identity and Autonomy – Discussing the desire for ethnic groups to preserve their distinct identities and autonomy. – Exploring how this aspiration has contributed to conflicts with other groups and the state.
6. Historical Griev

Territorial Integrity vs. Demands for a Separate Homeland: A Simplified Perspective

• Contestation Over Indigeneity and Territorial Integrity Background: There has been a prolonged conflict between the Meiteis and Kukis/Nagas in Manipur regarding the state’s territorial integrity.
• The Parties Involved: The Meiteis and Kukis/Nagas are the main groups engaged in this dispute.
• The Issue: The primary point of contention is the territorial integrity of Manipur.
• For several decades, the Meiteis and Kukis/Nagas have been in conflict over the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Uneven Distribution of Resources:

• Violent Clashes Triggered by High Court’s Order: May 3 clashes attributed to High Court’s directive for Manipur to submit ST status recommendations for Meiteis.
• Meiteis seek legal recognition for ownership of land, currently controlled by Nagas and Kukis.
• Fear among Nagas and Kukis that granting ST status to Meiteis would lead to a land monopoly and reinforce political and economic dominance.

Demographic Disparities:

• Meiteis, comprising over 50% of Manipur’s population, categorized as unreserved or OBC.
• Kukis and Nagas (mostly Christians) are STs, constituting around 40% of the population.
• Meiteis occupy only 10% of Manipur’s total land, while Nagas and Kukis reside in the remaining 90%, fostering narratives of marginalization.
• Land Ownership Restrictions: Legal restrictions prevent Meiteis from buying land in Kuki- and Naga-inhabited areas.
• Grievances since Manipur’s 1949 union with India focus on Meiteis’ lack of rights to protect customs, land, beliefs, and livelihoods.

ST Status Demand by Meiteis:

• STDCM, representing Meiteis, advocates for ST status since 2012.
• Government of India requested Manipur’s recommendation in May 2013; no response by the time of this brief.
• Union government sought a recommendation again on May 31, 2022.

Legal Proceedings:

• Mutum Churamani, a Meitei, petitions High Court for state government response.
• High Court issues order on April 4, 2023, directing the state government to respond within four weeks.
• Government response overshadowed by clashes following the order.

Hill-Valley Divide: Uneven Development and Asymmetric Political Representation

• Hill-Valley Divide and ST Status Demand: Meiteis’ demand for ST status intensifies Hill-Valley divide in Manipur.

• Historical factors, including asymmetric development and political representation, contribute to the divide.

• Economic and political focus on the valley leaves Kukis and Nagas without benefits.

• Valley-Centric Development: Infrastructure development in Manipur predominantly favors the Imphal valley.

• Budget allocations highlight the stark imbalance: INR 21,481 crores for the valley, only INR 419 crores for the hills (2017-2020).

Political Underrepresentation of Hills:

• Hill populations, including Nagas, Kukis, and other tribes (~40% of the population), have 19 seats in the legislative assembly.
• Meiteis, constituting 50% of the population, hold 60 seats.
• Disproportionate representation leaves Kukis and Nagas reliant on Meitei-controlled assembly, regardless of party affiliation.

Dependency and Meitei Assertion:

• Kukis argue that laws and policies, instruments of Meitei assertion into tribal areas, hinder conflict resolution.
• Ongoing conflict seen as unsolvable under the current arrangement due to Meitei dominance.

Scholarly Perspectives on Uneven Development:

Scholars note uneven development in Manipur linked to marginalization.

• Marginalization not solely due to limited political representation but also tied to locality, ethnic status, and history, as reflected in Kuki literature.
• Government response overshadowed by clashes following the order.

Governance Deficit and Demands for Autonomy:

Lack of Governance:

Insurgency groups set up their own forms of government because they see problems with the current system.

Manipur’s flawed decentralisation makes it harder for hill areas to get justice.

Challenges of decentralisation:

The Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) don’t have enough power to do their jobs.

ADCs rely on the state government for most of their power.

Group disagreements:

The Nagas are against extending the Sixth Schedule because they see it as getting in the way of their goal of returning to their country.

Legislation Issues: Manipur’s efforts to gain more independence are met with resistance, which makes Kukis unhappy.

Way forward

• Immediate, substantial discussion and confidence-building initiatives are necessary to address the Meitei-Kuki dispute.

• It is critical that militant groups and violent people be disarmed.

• The political will of the state government is crucial to realising these objectives.

• Academics and unbiased persons can play an important role in promoting discussion over antagonism.

• Reconsidering how power is exercised and where resources are allocated can help reduce racial gaps.

• It is possible to correct past injustices by streamlining the membership of legislative assemblies and placing more emphasis on decentralisation and autonomy.

• Long-term stability requires starting conversations about land ownership and fair development.

• It is essential to instill a sense of brotherhood among different ethnic groups.

• Making policy should be about more than just winning elections; it should be about establishing a strong country.

More long-lasting results may be achieved when issues are resolved through social platforms rather than only through governmental channels.