MANIPUR, India: In the remote northeastern state of Manipur, India, a deadly wave of armed clashes has engulfed the region, resulting in a tragic loss of lives and significant turmoil.
Since May, the escalating violence has claimed at least 120 lives, leaving the state in a state of turmoil and uncertainty. Manipur has a history of ethnic conflicts, and the recent clashes have brought underlying tensions to the forefront, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the origins of the conflict and its far-reaching consequences.
The conflict has its roots in long-standing animosity between two ethnic communities in Manipur: the Meitei majority and the Kuki, a significant tribal group constituting around 16 percent of the state’s population. While the Meitei are predominantly Hindu and tend to reside in urban areas, the Kuki, primarily Christian, typically inhabit scattered settlements in the hills. The friction between these communities has often revolved around competition for land and access to public jobs. Activists have accused local leaders of exploiting these ethnic divisions for political gain, exacerbating the tensions.
The catalyst for the recent violence was the decision to recognize the Meitei as a “Scheduled Tribe,” a status already bestowed upon the Kuki. This recognition would have entitled the Meitei to affirmative action benefits, including reserved quotas for government jobs and college admissions. However, this move triggered fears among Kuki groups that their own entitlements would be diminished. What began as protests soon escalated into violent clashes, marked by arson, destruction of property, and armed attacks.
The clashes not only resulted in casualties but also unleashed a wave of chaos. Police stations were looted, and thousands of guns, along with significant amounts of ammunition, were stolen, contributing to the proliferation of violence. As the conflict unfolded, both Meitei and Kuki militias set up blockades, dividing the state along ethnic lines and further exacerbating the situation.
Amidst the ongoing violence, the human toll has been severe. Reprisal attacks have resulted in the burning of homes and places of worship, displacing approximately 50,000 individuals who have sought refuge in relief centres or neighbouring states. The conflict has brought to the forefront the complex tapestry of Manipur’s history, where ethnic rivalries have been a long-standing challenge.
Manipur’s tumultuous history is entwined with separatism and interethnic tensions. The state’s location, wedged between Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar, has historically made it a hotbed for such unrest. In the late 1970s, Manipuri militants launched an armed rebellion against Indian rule, citing neglect from the central government. Although the state had witnessed armed attacks against government facilities for decades, a relative calm emerged after a major rebel attack in 2015.
However, the current violence has once again stirred calls for change. Kuki groups have revived their demand for a separate state administration, a demand staunchly rejected by the Meitei. With more than half of Manipur’s population, the Meitei wield significant influence and hold a different vision for the state’s future.
The response from the Indian government has been mixed. Troops were deployed from other regions to quell the violence, and a curfew along with an internet shutdown was imposed. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur and demanded the return of stolen weapons, pledging an impartial investigation into the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticized for his initial silence, finally addressed the situation in July after a disturbing video surfaced, expressing his concern.
Human Rights Watch has accused the state authorities in Manipur, led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, of contributing to the conflict through divisive policies. As India’s parliament debates a no-confidence motion against Modi for his government’s handling of the crisis, the situation remains dire. The clashes in Manipur serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities and challenges that arise from ethnic conflicts, emphasizing the pressing need for comprehensive dialogue, understanding, and a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and instability in the region.
