Graphic images and videos from Manipur have sent shockwaves across the country and have even garnered the attention of the international community. The violence in Manipur, which intensified in May, is a result of several complex issues that have been affecting peace and order in the state.
What is the main issue?
At the centre of the conflict is the disagreement between two sides of the Manipur’s population – the Meitei and the Kuki groups. It started after the Manipur High Court’s recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community – a move which has drawn a violent reaction from the Kuki tribes. But this issue is just the tip of the iceberg. Let us look at some facts about Manipur to gain perspective on why the beautiful hill-state is now in flames.
Background
Manipur is surrounded by the Indian states of Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. On its eastern side is Myanmar. Manipur’s capital Imphal is located in a valley, covered by hills on all sides.
The Meiteis make up about 53% of Manipur’s population. They speak the Manipuri language (also called Meitei language) and are the state’s main ethnic group. A majority of the Meitei community’s population resides in the valley.
On the other hand, the hills are where the tribes have lived. These include the Kukis and Nagas – both of whom are further divided into several tribes.
Manipur was a princely state during the British reign. It continued to be a part of the Indian Empire under the British even after the separation of Burma. Like in the case of many other princely states, the Instrument of Accession signed by the Maharaja of Manipur in 1947 made it a part of the Indian union. However, it remained a princely state until its merger with India in 1949. But this move did not have the consensus of Manipur’s elected representatives. Some even allege that the king was forced to sign the merger agreement. Manipur eventually became a union territory in 1956 and it was only in 1972 that it obtained the status of a full-fledged state.
After the merger of Manipur, several insurgent groups which used violent methods were formed. Some of these were left-wing militant groups which targeted Indian armed forces. Subsequently AFSPA or the Armed Forces Special Powers Act came into force in 1958. There have been many protests against AFSPA in the north-east ever since its enforcement. In recent years, the number of ‘disturbed areas’ where AFSPA is applicable has been reduced significantly. The tag of disturbed area was removed from areas under four police stations this April.
Land rights
The Kukis are Scheduled Tribes who are among the hill people of Manipur. The land owned by Kukis enjoys protection under the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960. Due to this, Meiteis cannot purchase land belonging to Kukis without the approval of the Hill Areas Committee that consists of ST members. If brought under the under Scheduled Tribes, Meities will be will be eligible to purchase land from Kukis and other tribes in the hills. This seems to have threatened the Kuki tribes leading to widespread unrest.
On the other hand, Kukis are allowed to own land in the valley. This has made the Meiteis feel vulnerable before a growing Kuki population. Majority of Kukis are Christian and this has added a religious angle to the violence – with Kuki Christians claiming that they are being targeted for their religion.
Drug problem
Manipur’s drug problem has added fuel to the fire. The state has seen rampant use of narcotics, cultivation of poppy on the hills and smuggling of drugs to Myanmar. These have worsened the existing division between various ethnicities. The state government destroyed over 15,000 acres of poppy fields in the last 5 years – most of which were in Kuki dominated areas. The Kukis claim that they are being targeted as a community by the Meitieis who have greater political representation. The Meiteis in turn blame the tribes for using money from the nacrotics to fund insurgency. According to Meities, the Kukis are upset with the state government’s war against drugs and are using the issue of ST status as an excuse to attack them.
Weapons stolen and sourced
Weapons have been smuggled from across the border by the insurgent groups in Manipur. Arms were acquired in a similar manner from Myanmar-China border during the last couple of months. Apart from this, weapons were looted from police stations and the state armoury. Violent mobs reportedly stormed into armouries and looted the weapons. The state police force has no clear data on exactly how many weapons were stolen. This happened at least twice, resulting in thousands of weapons going into unauthorised hands.
Social Media
Fake news, misinformation and misleading social media posts have led to horrific acts of revenge in Manipur. In the last two and a half months, close to 150 people have died and over 50,000 people have been displaced. The Manipur unrest has made it clear that leaders shouldn’t wait for an international outrage after a viral video to acknowledge such crucial issues of internal security. However, it is not something that can be solved overnight by a single man at the centre. The most effective solution to this crisis must come from within Manipur.
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