Unraveling the Ethnic Violence in Manipur in 2023

In a horrifying and devastating turn of events, ethnic violence in Manipur, the northeastern state of India, erupted on May 3, 2023, plunging the region into a wave of brutality and destruction. The conflict involved two distinct ethnic groups: the Meitei people, who predominantly reside in the serene Imphal Valley, and the tribal community from the surrounding hills, notably the Kuki people and other related groups like the Zo people.

As the days passed, the violence escalated into an unimaginable bloodbath, leaving a heartbreaking trail of destruction in its wake. The death toll reached a staggering 142 people as of July 4, 2023, with each loss representing a poignant reminder of the human cost of this horrific conflict. The number of wounded individuals was equally harrowing, with over 300 people suffering from grievous injuries, their lives forever altered by the brutality they endured.

The situation in Manipur has reached a critical point, with approximately 54,488 people reported as internally displaced as of July 4, 2023, further exacerbating the human tragedy that has unfolded. Families have been torn apart, homes reduced to ashes, and once-vibrant communities left shattered and in despair.

Who are the Parties to the ethnic violence in Manipur?

The rival parties involved in the ethnic violence in Manipur are:

1. Meitei community: The Meiteis are the dominant ethnic group in Manipur, constituting more than 50 percent of the state’s population of 3.5 million. They are largely based in the plains, with a significant presence in the state’s capital city of Imphal. The Meiteis have been at the center of the clashes and have sought special benefits, which has led to tensions with other ethnic groups in the region.

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2. Naga and Kuki tribes: The Naga and Kuki tribes are two of the major tribal communities in Manipur and together account for approximately 40 percent of the state’s population. They have been involved in the ethnic unrest and have enjoyed “Scheduled Tribe” status, granting them land-owning rights in the hills and forests of Manipur. The Naga and Kuki tribes reside predominantly in the hills and have been at odds with the Meitei community over access to economic benefits and quotas.

The violence and clashes have been primarily centered around these three ethnic groups, and their historical grievances and competition over resources and privileges have contributed to the ongoing unrest in Manipur. Other tribal groups, such as the Mizo and others, also contribute to the diverse ethnic makeup of the state, which has led to a complex and volatile situation.

What are the reasons for ethnic violence in Manipur?

The ethnic violence in Manipur, India, has deep-rooted causes that have led to the current state of unrest. The conflict arose from disagreements over access to education, employment, and other economic benefits, particularly related to the demand by the Meitei community to be recognized as a “scheduled tribe.” The “scheduled tribe” status in India is a form of affirmative action intended to combat historical structural inequality and discrimination, and it grants certain privileges and reservations in government jobs, educational opportunities, and elected seats.

The Meitei community, which comprises over 50% of the state’s population, has been seeking this designation, which has sparked tensions and clashes with the Kuki-Zomi people from the surrounding hills. The Kuki-Zomi community, predominantly Christian, argues that the Meitei community is already the dominant group in Manipur and contends that they, along with the Naga tribe, currently enjoy the “scheduled tribe” status.

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However, analyzing the situation and historical backgrounds, several key factors contribute to the occurrence and persistence of this violence:

1. Historical Ethnic Tensions: Manipur has a diverse and disparate ethnic makeup, with communities like the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi holding historical grievances against each other. These tensions have been fueled by disputes over access to economic benefits, educational opportunities, and political representation.

2. Identity and Affirmative Action: The conflict has been aggravated by the demand of the Meitei community to be recognized as a “scheduled tribe.” Such recognition would grant them access to affirmative action policies, similar to those enjoyed by the Kuki and Naga tribes. However, this move has been met with resistance from other ethnic groups who fear that it could lead to further marginalization and challenges to their existing privileges.

3. Political Motivations: The state government’s response and actions have also played a role in escalating the violence. The Manipur government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has imposed military curfews, suspended internet services, and issued “shoot-on-sight” orders, but some argue that these measures may not address the underlying issues and could further polarize communities.

4. Geopolitical Implications: The situation in Manipur also has wider geopolitical implications. As violence and instability persist in the region, it could have an impact on India’s overall security and relations with neighboring countries.

5. Insurgencies and Violence: Manipur has a history of civil conflicts, insurgencies, and marginalization, which has created a complex and tense socio-political landscape. These historical factors have contributed to the recurrence of ethnic violence in the region.

How the ethnic violence in Manipur started?

The violent clashes in Manipur’s Churachandpur district began in response to the Meitei community’s demands to be designated as a “Scheduled Tribe.” The Meiteis, who form the largest community in Manipur, sought inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes, a status that grants certain privileges and protections in terms of land rights and representation in government.

However, this demand was met with strong opposition from the Kuki tribe and other tribal communities residing in Manipur. They perceived the Meitei community’s bid for Scheduled Tribe status as an infringement on their rights. The Kuki and other tribes considered themselves the marginalized part of the population and argued that the benefits and protections of Scheduled Tribe status should be reserved for them rather than the Meiteis.

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The tensions escalated further when an order from the Manipur High Court, released on April 14, supported the consideration of the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. This order was met with strong resistance from tribal groups, who saw it as favoring the Meiteis and exacerbating the historical tensions between the valley-dwelling Meitei community and the hill tribes of Manipur.

As a result, violent clashes erupted in Manipur during a “Tribal Solidarity March” called by the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. The clashes occurred between the Kuki tribal group, representing the hill tribes, and the Meitei non-tribal group in the Churachandpur district. The violence resulted in casualties, widespread damage to properties, and displacement of thousands of people.

The situation further complicated the ongoing efforts for peace and political settlement in Manipur. The clashes have derailed peace talks between Kuki-Zomi groups and the government, with demands for a separate administration by some groups.

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In the aftermath of the violence, the state government took measures to contain the situation, including issuing “shoot-at-sight” orders and deploying military forces to affected areas. However, the unrest has continued to spread to other districts in Manipur, leading to further tensions and challenges in restoring normalcy.

Government Response and Military Measures

Since the outbreak of violent clashes in Manipur, the government’s role has been characterized by invoking constitutional provisions to assert special powers in the state. The state government is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In response to the escalating violence, the central government utilized an article of the constitution that allows it to take control and wield special powers in a state. This measure was taken to address the unrest between different ethnic groups, particularly the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The state police have been unable to effectively rein in the violent mobs and control the clashes, particularly in Meitei-dominated areas like Imphal. There have been reports of targeted attacks against the Kuki community by violent mobs, leading to a high level of insecurity and tensions between the ethnic groups. The situation has created an “information vacuum” as journalists are unable to enter Churachandpur due to the violence, and internet services have been cut off.

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In response to the escalating unrest, the Indian army has been deployed to restore law and order in the affected areas. Authorities issued “shoot-at-sight” orders and implemented curfews in some districts to quell the violence and maintain stability. Additionally, military surveillance through aerial means, such as drones and military helicopters, has been intensified to monitor the situation in violence-affected regions like Imphal Valley.

Addressing the Complexities and Paving the Path to Lasting Peace in Manipur

The recent wave of ethnic violence in Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has brought to light the multifaceted complexity of the conflict. Rooted in the region’s intricate history and sociopolitical fabric, this violence defies easy solutions. To achieve lasting peace and reconciliation, a comprehensive and compassionate approach is imperative, which requires a deep understanding of the grievances held by all parties involved and a delicate balance to foster peaceful coexistence.

As the sun sets over Manipur’s troubled landscape, the path to reconciliation and lasting peace remains uncertain. The violence has left a trail of destruction, with buildings set ablaze, charred vehicles scattered across roads, and the loss of lives and homes. The scale of displacement and the profound impact on communities cannot be underestimated. However, amidst this grim situation, there remains a glimmer of hope – a collective will and a genuine commitment to understanding and addressing the grievances of all parties involved. These elements serve as beacons of hope, guiding the state away from the shadows of violence and into a brighter, harmonious future.

The complexities of the violence in Manipur have deep historical roots, with tensions between ethnic communities often instrumentalized for political gain. The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have led to a gross imbalance of power, where the Meitei community enjoys greater agency in decision-making processes, while the Kuki community feels marginalized and unheard. The state government’s response, though deploying military curfews and shoot-on-sight orders, does not address the underlying issues that fuel the conflict. Instead, there is a pressing need for a genuine dialogue that acknowledges the grievances of all communities and works towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

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Unraveling the complexities of violence in Manipur goes beyond perceiving it as a mere petty brawl between two ethnic groups. It requires a holistic understanding of the historical, social, and political dynamics at play. The recent violence cannot be attributed solely to a single event but rather to a culmination of policy decisions and divisive actions. Addressing this crisis necessitates moving away from inflammatory rhetoric and dismissing grievances. Instead, it demands a sincere effort to engage in dialogue, acknowledge historical injustices, and work collaboratively toward a more inclusive and equitable society. The government’s commitment to this approach will be crucial in steering Manipur towards lasting peace.

The international community’s attention is vital in fostering lasting peace in Manipur. While the violence may not be prominently featured on the global radar, the impact on the lives of the people in Manipur cannot be ignored. A concerted effort from all key stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies, is required to address the underlying issues and bring an end to the festering ethnic divide. Only by understanding the complexities of the conflict and actively working towards reconciliation can Manipur find a way forward, paving the path to lasting peace and a more harmonious future for all its communities.