Ethnic violence has continued to grip the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, with old fault lines resurfacing and tensions escalating. The conflict stems from a high court order that requested the state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the dominant Meitei community. This decision has reignited long-standing tensions between the mostly Hindu Meiteis and the predominantly Christian Kuki and Nagas tribal communities residing in Manipur's hill districts.The petitioners who moved the court argued that granting ST status to the Meiteis was essential to safeguard their ancestral land, traditions, culture, and heritage. They claimed that the Meiteis had enjoyed this status before September 1949 when Manipur merged with India and sought the restoration of this historical recognition.
However, this move has been met with fierce opposition from the tribal communities, who argue that it could result in them losing government job opportunities and educational admissions. Currently, Meiteis hold the Other Backward Class (OBC) status, and they exert significant political influence as the majority population in the Imphal Valley, which sends a substantial number of lawmakers to the state assembly.
The tribal-dominated hill districts, despite covering nearly 90% of Manipur's landmass, have fewer seats in the assembly. Land ownership is another contentious issue, as people from the plains are prohibited from buying land in the hill districts, where an elected Hill Areas Committee enjoys administrative autonomy. These factors have contributed to the demand for ST status for the Meiteis, as resources in the Imphal Valley become scarcer.
Adding to the tension, the state government's survey of the Churachandpur-Khoupum protected forest region without local consent led to accusations of land eviction intentions, further fueling resentment.
One significant challenge in containing the violence has been the availability of a large cache of stolen arms and ammunition. Mobs, composed of both Kuki and Meitei groups, looted weapons from police stations, gun shops, and armories of the India Reserve Battalion in the initial weeks of the violence. These stolen weapons have since been used in attacks by militants, aggravating the conflict.
The fault lines have deepened as Meiteis from the hill districts have fled to the valley areas, while Kukis from the valley have sought refuge in the hills. Accusations of bias have been leveled at the Manipur Police, with Kuki groups urging the Union government to retain the Assam Rifles for peacekeeping due to the force's direct reporting to the Union government.
Amid this turmoil, the central forces have established buffer zones along the foothills to prevent armed groups from both sides from launching attacks. These forces have been directed not to allow even state police to cross the buffer zones independently, aiming to prevent any perception of bias within the local police.
The ongoing conflict has tragically claimed lives, displaced thousands, and deepened ethnic divisions in Manipur. It highlights the urgent need for dialogue, reconciliation, and a comprehensive approach to address the historical grievances and ongoing tensions between the different communities in the region.
