Manipur Violence: Unraveling the Complexities of Conflict

Introduction:

Manipur is a small but incredibly beautiful North Eastern state of India which shares its border with Myanmar. It has a population of 28.65 Lakhs. It has a rich history of culture, craftsmanship, artistry, etc. Its major contributors of GSDP are Agriculture (32.5%), handicrafts (20%) and tourism (15%).

It is a diverse state with different communities residing within the state. Some of the major communities are Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Pangal, and others. Population distribution in these communities are as follows: -

• Meitei - 53%

• Naga - 24%

• Kuki - 16%

• Pangal - 2%

• Others - 5%

Recent conflicts in Manipur occurred between Meitei and Kuki people. Meitei majorly reside in the Imphal Valley and 40% of hilly area houses Kuki people.

History:

The roots of the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities can be traced back to the colonial era. The British rule led to the demarcation of Manipur's land into hill and valley areas. While 92% of Manipur's land is classified as hill area, only 8% is categorized as valley region, where 80% of the state's population resides, leading to overcrowding and congestion in the valley.

The Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs' Right) Act-1966:

Under the Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs' Right) Act-1966, Kuki chiefs were granted significant powers, allowing them to establish villages anywhere in Manipur's hill areas, known as "Gam," and appoint Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs at will. The Act bestowed unrestricted authority on the Chiefs, with no geographical limitations, leading to tensions and disputes over land ownership.

As early as 1980, the Kuki Chiefs expressed their desire to penetrate into the Imphal valley, intensifying the struggle for land ownership between the Kuki and Meitei communities. This aspiration has led to clashes and conflicts between the two groups, with the Kuki community seeking to establish a separate territory called "Zale'n Gam" (Zo Land) within Manipur.

Adding to the complexities of the conflict, Manipur has two distinct land laws. In the valley region, the "Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act-1960" governs land ownership, and individuals receive land documents like Dag-chitha and Patta, securing their ownership rights. However, in the hill areas, the "Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs' Right) Act-1966" grants immense powers to the Chiefs, leaving the local populace with limited land rights.

Bureaucratic Representation:

In Manipur, a large number of Kukis are employed in various offices, including Government establishments, Banks, Manipur University, and companies. This is due to their status as Scheduled Tribes after becoming Indian citizens. Consequently, Chin-Kuki individuals hold significant positions in Bureaucrat Officers in the Manipur Secretariat and Home Department, leading to power imbalances. This ST status also grants them access to jobs in Union of India's Departments, companies, and banks. Notably, there are many Kuki soldiers in Assam Rifles, and there have been accusations of the force's inaction during Kuki militant attacks on Meetei villages, with allegations of arson and house-burning.

Major events that ignited violence:

According to a status report submitted to the Supreme Court on July 11, the Manipur government reported 142 deaths between May 3 and July 4 during the violence over the demand to include Meiteis as a Scheduled Tribe. On May 3, a Tribal Solidarity March organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) against the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST category saw an estimated attendance of over 60,000 people. Violence broke out during the rally in the Torbung area of Churachandpur, resulting in 11 civilians injured and two others killed from bullet wounds in Saikul, Kangpokpi district. Although the presence of Central Armed Police Forces has somewhat reduced violence recently, 31 Meitei community MLAs have proposed the replacement of specific units of the Assam Rifles in their representation to Union Home Minister Amit A Shah.

There have been various brutal events of rape and murder in Manipur for which both of the communities have been involved. One of the major events that saw the uproar in the nation was when a video went viral in which a woman was paraded naked and assaulted.

On July 19, a video went viral showing two Kuki women, one aged in her 40s and one in her 20s being stripped, paraded naked on the streets, slapped and sexually assaulted by apparently Meitei men. The women were forcibly taken away from the police station when they were fleeing the violence hit areas by a mob. The younger victim was gang-raped and one of the victims' father and teenage brother were killed by the mob while trying to protect the victim. Despite the complaint being lodged no action was taken by the police for more than 2 months until the video emerged. The Kuki community has accused the police of siding with the Meitei community. The video emerged after more than two months since the incident took place as the internet was shut down in Manipur. One of the victims said that they have been “left to the mob by the police”. On July 20, Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh defended his decision of internet ban in the state citing hundreds of similar incidents happened.

The Supreme Court responded within hours after the circulation of the video warning that the court will intervene if the government doesn't act. The incident prompted Prime Minister Modi to speak, who was silent for around 80 days since the violence started, said his heart is "full of pain and anger" after the video went viral. It was pointed out by many that the internet shutdown in the state facilitated the cover-up of the incident.

After the media reports circulated about the National Commission of Women (NCW) having knowledge of the incident as they received a complaint in the month of June, the chairperson of NCW said that she did not receive a response from authorities in Manipur after she forwarded the complaint thrice.

On the 20th of July, 2023, the Manipur police reported that 4 people had been arrested in connection with the crime.

On the 22nd of July, a fifth arrest had been made and a juvenile was arrested on the 23rd in relation to the crime.

Impact on Daily life due to violence:

Sure. The violence in Manipur has had a significant impact on daily life. The unrest between ethnic groups has resulted in buildings being set ablaze, charred vehicles strewn across roads, and tens of thousands homeless. Schools are being shut down, there are no sources of income for the people of Manipur in this frenzy. People constantly complain about not getting adequate food and rations in the shelter camps. Transport of resources are being barricaded by communities. The Indian army has been deployed to restore law and order, and internet access has been blocked for the state’s approximately 3 million population. At least 100 people have lost their lives and 310 others injured in the violence, and a total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps. Clashes between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities have resulted in their complete segregation.

Although, most of the people residing in Manipur want peace but in this situation none of the group is willing to surrender their arms first in the fear of getting overpowered by others. Solution to this problem is surely very complicated and is going to require lots of communication between the communities and the government of India. If no solution is presented soon this state might be on the brink of a civil war.