Various ethnic groups have been demanding recognition, autonomy, and other forms of rights for decades in the Indian state of Manipur, which is located in the northeast. The Meiteis and the Kukis are the two largest ethnic groups in Manipur, and both have been embroiled in communal violence and outrage for Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition.
The preponderance of the population, the Meiteis, have demanded for many years that the Meitei community be included in the ST category. The Meiteis believe that, as Manipur’s indigenous people, they are entitled to ST status. They contend that the federal government has marginalised them and that they have not been adequately represented in the state legislature and administration.
In contrast, the Kukis, one of the numerous Naga tribes believe that they have been historically disadvantaged in Manipur, while the Meiteis have been privileged. They have demanded a distinct autonomous region in Manipur for the Kukis, which the Meiteis have opposed.
The communal tension between the Meiteis and the Kukis has simmered for years and has frequently led to violent clashes. In 1992, the Kukis initiated a violent campaign for an independent Kuki state, resulting in extensive violence and population displacement. The Meiteis have also been accused of discriminating against Kukis and other Manipur minority groups.
In 2015, the central government proclaimed its decision to grant ST status to six communities in Assam, including the Tai Ahoms, Koch-Rajbongshis, and Tea Tribes, sparking the current crisis in Manipur. This decision infuriated the Meiteis, who felt they had once again been disregarded.
The Meiteis responded with a succession of protests and blockades that brought the state to a standstill. The Meiteis demanded ST status for themselves and a reversal of the central government’s decision to grant ST status to six communities in Assam. Several individuals were killed in clashes between police and protestors as the protests turned violent.
Also participating in the protests and demanding ST recognition for themselves were the Kukis. The Kukis accused the Meiteis of disregarding their request for ST status in favour of their own. This escalated tensions between the two communities, resulting in multiple reports of violent clashes.
The resolution of the Manipur crisis necessitates a nuanced approach due to its complexity. The government must resolve the legitimate demands of both the Meiteis and the Kukis in a fair and equitable manner. The government should ensure that all communities in Manipur are adequately represented in the legislature and administration of the state. In addition to the Meiteis and the Kukis, the government should also contemplate granting ST status to other marginalised communities in the state.
There are additional underlying causes for the indignation and communal violence in Manipur besides the demand for Scheduled Tribe recognition. The issue of territorial integrity is among the primary causes. The demand for autonomous regions by various ethnic groups has frequently resulted in conflicts with other communities. The Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal valley, are opposed to the autonomy demands of the hill tribes, for concern that it will result in the dissolution of Manipur. Similarly, the Meiteis have been opposed to the Kukis’ demand for a distinct autonomous region.
Manipur’s dearth of economic development is another problem. Due to the ongoing insurgency and communal tension, the state has experienced a dearth of investment and development. Lack of employment opportunities has resulted in a high adolescent unemployment rate, which has contributed to the state’s unrest.
In Manipur, illegal immigration is also a contentious issue. The state’s proximity to Myanmar has resulted in an influx of migrants from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other neighbouring nations. This has resulted in the displacement of the indigenous population and increased communal tensions within the state.
The communal violence and outrage in Manipur stem from multiple underlying issues, including the demand for Scheduled Tribe recognition, territorial integrity, lack of economic development, illicit immigration.
In conclusion, the current crisis in Manipur is the consequence of long-standing communal tensions between the Meiteis and the Kukis, both. To resolve the crisis, the government must address the legitimate demands of both communities in a fair and equitable manner. Additionally, the government should ensure that all Manipur communities are adequately represented in the state legislature and administration.