Ethnic clashes between the Meitei people — a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley — and the Kuki tribal community, the second largest ethnic group in Manipur, have raised a concern. According to multiple sources including the BBC, clashes between the groups erupted in the small Indian state of Manipur in May this year. Ethnic clashes that the army, paramilitary forces and police struggle to quell have thus far led to the death of one hundred and eighty people. Additionally, around 60,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, along with the ruination of hundreds of churches and more than a dozen temples and the destruction of villages.
It is pertinent to note that ethnic and religious clashes often take place in Manipur. The ethnic clashes primarily stem from tensions between different ethnic communities including the Meiteis, Nagas and Kukis, who have competing claims over land, resources and political representation in the state. Ethnic clashes have often resulted in violence, the displacement of communities and a deepening divide among the various ethnic groups. Additionally, the legacy of colonial rule, the subsequent reorganization of the state and the presence of armed insurgent groups seeking to advance their own agendas have contributed to the volatile situation in the state. But the latest web of clashes in Manipur, where 3.3 million people live, was mainly driven by ethnic animosity.
The latest ethnic clash in the north-west Indian state is entirely between the Meitei and the Kuki ethnic groups, though Naga has now begun protesting for pressing for the implementation of the Framework Agreement signed in 2015. The clashes sparked, according to multiple sources, with the granting of the ”scheduled tribal status” to the Meitei that allowed the majority ethnic group to buy land in the hills or settle in predominantly Kuki areas. The Kukis angered over the decision carried out protests that met with violence, leading to months-long ethnic clashes in Manipur. Additionally, the discontent of the Kukis on the drug war waged by the Meitei-led government has probably played some roles in the latest violence.
The Indian government has definitely made several steps including the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki insurgents (though the Manipur government withdrew from it in March 2023), the initiation of talks with different ethnic communities, fostering grievances and aspirations to be addressed effectively, and efforts to create a more inclusive political system. But government efforts have faced challenges due to several factors including the deep-rooted nature of the grievances, the complex dynamics among ethnic groups and inadequately consulted or unconsulted controversial decisions. Also, efforts are inadequate —given the complexity of ethnic tensions — in reducing ethnic conflicts in Manipur, though the police, army and paramilitary troops are immediately deployed to quell the clashes.
It is definitely desired that conflicts in Manipur are mitigated. For this, addressing the underlying causes including historical grievances, socio-economic disparities and political marginalization is imperative. Promoting peace talks between/among different ethnic groups on their disputes and implementing policies that promote equal rights and opportunities for all communities may be helpful. But the earnest efforts of the central government and the state government are vital to resolving ethnic tensions in Manipur. The success of the efforts to resolve ethnic tensions also depends on the willingness of all parties involved to actively participate and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to their disputes.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
