TODAY -

Catalyst and solutions to the current ethnic clashes: A quest

Dr. P. S. Singh *



Our state has been witnessing violent clashes between two ethnic groups in the past few days, following the Manipur High Court's recent directive to the state government to submit recommendations for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.

The police have imposed a curfew, and shoot-at-sight orders have been issued, internet data services have been suspended. The army, CRPF, and rapid action force have been deployed to control the situation, and Article 355 has been invoked. Sadly, several casualties and deaths have been reported.

To understand the ongoing conflicts in our state, it is crucial to understand the ethnic differences that exist here. These conflicts have arisen from political, economic, and cultural grievances that have persisted for a long time.

The Meitei community, comprising more than half of the state's population and dominating the valley region that covers only about 10% of the state's land, holds a significant political presence with 40 out of 60 MLAs. Conversely, the tribes inhabiting the hilly areas, which constitute 90% of the state's geography, have limited political representation, with only 20 MLAs in the state assembly.

Many people from the hill districts feel neglected, alleging that most of the budget and developmental work focused on the valley districts. It is also necessary to consider the historical context that has led to the current ethnic tensions in the state. These tensions date back to the time of the erstwhile kingdom and have persisted between the hill and valley communities.

The situation worsened with the emergence of the Naga national movement in the 1950s, which aimed for an independent Naga nation, facing opposition from insurgent groups among the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi. In the 1990s, Kuki-Zomi groups also militarized and demanded a separate state called "Kukiland," further intensifying the divide between the communities.

Now, coming to the demand for ST status. The issue of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community has been a source of contention and debate among the various communities in the state. The Meiteis, who are the largest ethnic group in Manipur and reside in the valley region, have been demanding ST status for more than a decade.

They argue that as an indigenous inhabitant of the state, they are facing threats to their land, culture, and identity due to the infiltration and assimilation of outsiders. They believe that being granted ST status will provide them with the necessary constitutional safeguards to protect their ancestral land, customs, culture, and language.

However, this demand has been met with opposition from the tribal communities who fear that granting ST status to the Meiteis would diminish their political representation, reservation benefits, and land rights, given the Meiteis' dominance in social and political spheres. The tribal communities perceive the demand as a threat to their existence and a means for the Meiteis to exert control over the entire state.

The demand for ST status may have been the immediate cause of the recent violence, but there are other underlying issues that have fueled the recent conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. For example, tensions rose when the state government launched an anti-drug campaign targeting poppy cultivations in the hill districts, which was seen as targeting the Kukis.

There was also discontent over the government's notice claiming that more than 30 villages in the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest area were "illegal settlements" and their residents "encroachers". The Kuki groups claimed that this was a violation of Article 371C, which grants administrative autonomy to the hill areas, and accused the government of discriminating against them and favoring the Meiteis.

The Kuki community's discontentment grew stronger after the state government terminated the tripartite Suspension of Operation agreement with Kuki militants, following allegations that the militants, who were led by non-locals, were directly involved in the drug business by promoting the cultivation of poppies in areas inhabited by the Kukis.

These fear and tensions within the Kuki community was further inflamed later by the High Court's order to expedite the recommendation for granting ST status to the Meiteis. All of these issues are intertwined with other social and economic grievances, leading to a complex situation that has now erupted into violence.

It is also important to address the weaknesses of the state government that contributed to the outbreak of violence. Despite warning signs that a major incident might occur after an open gym, which was supposed to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister of the state, was burnt down, the government failed to anticipate the violence, revealing a lack of effective state intelligence.

While the government claims to be committed to resolving conflicts between communities, it has failed to effectively address the tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The government's excessive focus on the "War against Drugs" has resulted in eviction drives that have affected many Kuki villages, prompting some BJP MLAs to express concerns about perceived governance bias and call for a change in the party's state leadership.

Evictions carried out under the guise of forest protection or removing "outsiders" can incite anger and frustration among those who rely on the hills for their livelihoods. Without appropriate measures for resettlement and compensation, these actions only exacerbate the sense of injustice felt by those affected. To address these issues, the state government must establish effective communication channels with people from all ethnic backgrounds.

In conclusion, the recent unrest in the state highlights the deep-seated ethnic divisions and lack of trust between various communities. Resorting to military force and imposing restrictions would only exacerbate the situation, particularly in a state where different communities have experienced historical oppression.

The state and central governments must initiate political dialogue with all parties involved, including various communities, and address their concerns in a just and transparent manner to maintain law and order in the state and prevent further loss of innocent lives. Civil societies and media have a critical role to play in promoting peace and harmony among diverse communities while countering misinformation and rumors.

People in the state must understand that violence is not a solution, and peaceful coexistence with mutual respect and tolerance for each other's culture and identity is necessary. Creating peace committees involving individuals from different communities can facilitate peaceful coexistence.

Additionally, strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure and regulating social media platforms can curb the spread of hateful content and raise awareness about rumors and other materials that may incite communal tensions. Let us hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict soon.


* Dr. Pangambam Sendash Singh wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at sendashpangambam(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on May 09 2023 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #6: Download
  • Violence in Manipur 2023 :: News Timeline
  • Conflict in Manipur: Summary of issues
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #5
  • Get to know more about Canine Distemper
  • The Power of Poppy - 3 :: Poem
  • Why Is Manipur Burning ?
  • Condemns Biased UN Side Event
  • Inpui Baptist Church celebrated Decadal
  • When the public relations fail #2
  • A decade for youth to make India #1
  • Tell the story to the outside world
  • Misleading the House of Commons
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #2: Gallery
  • Village Volunteers: Protectors of the Nation
  • World Bamboo Day Painting Comp. results
  • Voluntary Blood Donation Camp
  • Improved potato varieties suited to Manipur
  • Autumn hair care: Tips for healthier hair
  • Manipur cannot go on like this
  • Shifting the theatre of war to Geneva
  • 1958: Kuki Chiefs' Memo to Union HM
  • Never too early never too late
  • Celebrities' approaches to Mental Health
  • International Day of Peace
  • Litter box training for cats
  • Trek leaders training programme
  • An indifferent Delhi
  • A good move with bad intention
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #2: Gallery
  • Before the inflection point in our society !
  • Whither Naga Peace? Spl session of Parl
  • Lumpy Skin Disease
  • In total chaos since May 3 evening
  • Clutching at straws by drowning man
  • Winter Relief @ Mayang Imphal : Gallery
  • World Bamboo Day at Chandigarh
  • Will leaders walk the talk to end TB at UN
  • When the public relations fail #1
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #4
  • Reimpose AFSPA call
  • Lesson to be learnt from SAFF boys
  • Breaches of International Humanitarian Law
  • Do we have a Government!
  • 'Birthday boy' glows, critics wonder...
  • Two Murals from Two Corners
  • Sir, a birthday treat for us
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #1: Gallery
  • Student Council: Pillars of Governance
  • World Ozone Day observed at Imphal
  • Col N Hemachandra: Brigadier in Army
  • The Power of Poppy - 2 :: Poem
  • Manipur Crisis: You can bring Delhi to Imphal
  • Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Parliament
  • Relief materials at Moirang, Thoubal
  • Armed Forces' role in Manipur under scrutiny
  • India elevated G20 as 'premier forum'
  • 'Solution first, peace later' slogan
  • Hoping against hope
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #2: Gallery
  • DMCC met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
  • The existential crisis - The Reality
  • Seriousness of legal proceedings
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #2
  • One-sided reports vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Death of a Sub-inspector
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra : Download
  • Dr Marjit: Academic Award at Malaysia
  • Interreligious Appeal to end violence
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #3
  • Manipur Special Youth Assembly Session
  • From new districts to separate State
  • Looking for ally, desperately
  • Protesters & SF @Kwakta #1: Gallery
  • An Open Letter to President Joe Biden
  • Elephants in a Seed
  • Switzerland of India become a love lost State
  • Restoration of mining affected areas
  • Why did Army invite EGI : CJI
  • EGI invited by Army for objective assessment!
  • Note on Kuki-Hmar Trouble [1960]
  • Sober Thoughts
  • Weaving Looms presented at Relief Camp
  • A compassionate relief & cash payment
  • Sisters and brothers :: Poem
  • Coming to the negotiating table
  • The way forward
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #1: Gallery
  • Romi Meitei : Best director @Kazan film fest
  • Success of Rahmani30 in Manipur NEET-UG
  • Modi, Biren, Shah exposes tragic series
  • Bharat is older than India
  • Mega Health Camp & Skill Development
  • Demand for ST tag by Meiteis
  • Internationalising the Kuki-Meitei conflict
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #5: Download
  • Creating Hope Through Action
  • Ningthoujam Binoy: National Teachers' Award
  • The Power of Poppy - 1 :: Poem
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #1
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #2
  • Darkest Era of Meiteis
  • Robert Memorial Internship Awarded
  • Churachandpur Meiteis at the crossroads
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #3
  • Meeting of Meitei Club, Burari
  • G20 call to action in agriculture
  • Silent on the remains at CCpur
  • The resolution to unite all CSOs
  • Rebuttal: EGI Fact-finding Mission Report
  • S Tiken (Thang-Ta) Fellowhsip Award
  • Manipuri or Meitei ?
  • Relief Distribution at Wakhong Pukao
  • Human-centric globalisation : Taking G20
  • Cancer Screening at SP Office, Imphal
  • Doing a disservice to Kuki-Chin cause
  • Epidemic threat at relief centres
  • The Chothes of Manipur
  • Communalism; A Dangerous Ism
  • Condemns the incident at Chalwa
  • Unity - need of the hour
  • International Day of Police Cooperation
  • 5,000 Scholarships for 1st year undergrad
  • Classic case of victimising the victims
  • 11 years in service and raring to go
  • Relief Work - August 2023 : Gallery
  • Krishna Leela
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #1
  • Cancer Awareness at Imphal East
  • Training on cultivation of mushroom
  • Illegal immigrants & Manipur violence
  • Missing fact in EGI's fact-finding report
  • Is govt inviting a 3rd Nupi Lal ?
  • The Chieftaindom of Kukis
  • The role of teachers in society
  • Condolence Message
  • Framework for the future of work
  • Understanding Manipur crisis in four days!
  • The case of 'Meitei media'
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #2
  • Winter Relief Services commenced
  • Special Session of Parliament
  • Advantage of simultaneous election in India
  • Fake Finding Committee ?
  • Poisoning the mind of Kuki-Chin people
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #4 : Book
  • Organic links between C3C & Manipur conflict
  • Entrepreneur set to introduce first Tea Wine
  • Remedies to reduce hair growth on upper lip
  • Rally against Narco-Terrorism #3 : Gallery
  • On ethnic Nationalism & exclusive domains
  • Stay vigilant on Employment Offers
  • Waterways development in NE India
  • Condemn accusations on Pangal
  • Violence doesn't bring lasting solution #2
  • Feeding lies and more lies
  • Blame it on CSOs
  • Climate Change & flawed solution in Manipur
  • 92th Martyrdom Day of Haipou Jadonang
  • Change the minds, Peace is possible anytime
  • Who is running Nagaland Govt ?
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #1
  • Manipur Distress Relief Work : August
  • Playing heroes on social media
  • Yes, it's time for a public assembly
  • Haipou Jadonang Martyrdom Day
  • September Calendar for Year 2023 : Tools
  • Statement of Thadou Students' Assn
  • Land of jewel trapped under conspiracies #4
  • Health Awareness Programme at MU
  • Manipur- 13 medals at Junior National Judo
  • Where have the guns come from ?
  • The curious case of 10 Kuki MLAs
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #1: Gallery
  • Restoring peace - The talk of the town
  • National Sports Day 2023
  • Rethinking caste-based reservations in India
  • Why computer studies is gaining popularity
  • Cold bucket of water after a hot shower
  • Committing a crime to avoid a crisis
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #3 : Book
  • 19th Asian Games: 43 Manipuri athletes
  • Relationship of Manipur & Tai kingdom #3
  • Violence doesn't bring lasting solution #1
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Bangladesh's aid to Myanmar
  • Does 'separate State' agenda drive violence?
  • Is the Chief Minister lying?
  • Hunger Marchers' Day
  • Sudden strike & the knotty quagmire
  • Moon, Bharatnaut and ShivShakti
  • Even Rocket Science is doable
  • Tales from relief camps
  • All in a day's session
  • Manipur in History: Reflection...
  • Langonjam Birmangal: Manipuri literature #2
  • Onam Fever (Festival of Kerala)
  • Cancer Awareness Program at Khongman
  • Manipuri film @ National Film Award
  • Huidrom Oliviya: bronze at World Cadet Judo
  • Patriots' Day @ Kangla: Gallery
  • Neol Chawang: Scientist at ISRO Mission
  • Regarding Meitei student assault in M'lore
  • 'Lembi Leima' wins at Film Festival Jaipur
  • Land of jewel trapped under conspiracies #3
  • Dettol Hygiene Olympiad 2.0
  • Changing narratives antagonising people
  • Rubbishing the indigeneity claim
  • Indigenous Games of Manipur
  • The unfolding of Violent events in Manipur
  • Congratulations to Dr Raghu Ningthoujam
  • Scientist Raghu Ningthoujam leads team
  • Intractable Framework Agreement of IM
  • Protesters with Army [Aug 03] #3 : Gallery
  • Ningthoujiam Raghu, Bishal Singha: ISRO
  • Sachinker About Working In 'Oneness'
  • Silence & outrage on Manipur violence
  • Engagement with stakeholders
  • Lessons should have been learnt
  • Better to act now than be sorry late
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #2 : Book
  • ...push Meiteis to precarious situation
  • Where is the people's Chief Minister ?
  • Fund drive for relief effort in Manipur
  • National Sports Day
  • Interim rehabilitation measure of Govt
  • Exclusive domains out of pluralistic Manipur!
  • Indigenous Wrestling @ Purul : Gallery
  • Langonjam Birmangal: Manipuri literature #1
  • Request to use Smart Phone Election Apps
  • The Future of Manipur
  • Moving towards a settlement
  • Planned aggression: To what end ?
  • Fanning humanitarian crisis with ingenuity
  • Patriots' Day @ Thangal Temple: Gallery
  • Maram folklore & Meitei connection
  • Koijam Athouba: 3rd Gold @Aquatic National
  • A call for true freedom
  • 'Remove Assam Rifles' [Aug 07] #2 : Gallery
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #1 : Book
  • Patriots' Day @ Hicham Yaicham : Gallery
  • Model of Spelling-bee Competition
  • Patriots' Day @ New Delhi : Gallery
  • Protest against AR [9 Aug] : Gallery
  • Taionaba Taibang Gi Akanba Nongju
  • Protesters with Army [Aug 03] #2 : Gallery
  • Nang-eigi Pangal Sonbi Emado
  • 'Remove Assam Rifles' [Aug 07] #1 : Gallery
  • Rally against Narco-Terrorism #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2023 #3: Gallery
  • HSLC 2023 :: Top 25 Rank Holders
  • HSLC 2023 :: Subject Topper
  • HSLC 2023 :: Full Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Compartmental Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Science
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Arts
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Commerce
  • From May 3, 1993 to the present
  • COVID-19 : Impact in Manipur :: News Timeline
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar for 2023