The State is caught in the throes of a complex conflict fueled by ethnic tensions, socio-economic disparities and narco-terrorism

Manipur, one of the seven northeastern states of India, holds strategic importance due to its geographical location. It shares borders with Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, Assam to the east, and Myanmar to the west.

Often referred to as the gateway to Southeast Asia, this state is home to diverse ethnic communities, including the Meiteis (approximately 53 per cent), Nagas (around 24 per cent) and Kuki-Chin-Zomi tribes (about 16 per cent). However, Manipur has recently experienced its worst violence in over a decade. More than a year of unrest has left over 226 people dead, more than 1,500 injured, and displaced over 60,000 residents. Understanding the root causes of this conflict requires examining several interconnected issues.

(a) Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status 

The spark for the current violence was a Manipur High Court directive urging the state government to consider granting the Meitei community Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This decision was met with strong opposition from the Kuki community, culminating in protests and clashes. 

Understanding the ST Status Debate: 

Manipur is geographically divided into two main regions:  The  valley  (10 per cent of the total area): Predominantly occupied by the Meitei community, it is more developed and politically influential, with Meiteis holding 40 out of 60 legislative Assembly seats. The hills  (90 per cent of the total area): Primarily home to tribal communities, these areas lag behind in education, employment, infrastructure, and representation. 

While residents from the hills can migrate to the valley for opportunities, valley residents are restricted from purchasing land in the hills due to tribal land ownership laws. The Meiteis fear that an increasing number of hill residents settling in the valley threatens their identity and culture. ST status for Meiteis would limit land purchases in the valley, potentially safeguarding their heritage.

On the other hand, the Kukis argue that Meiteis already dominate key sectors such as governance, education, and the economy. Granting them ST status, they claim, would exacerbate the marginalisation of hill tribes. 

(b) Narco-Terrorism 

Manipur’s proximity to the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent has made it a hotspot for drug trafficking. Illegal poppy cultivation in the region is reportedly controlled by powerful drug lords, whose operations are threatened by government crackdowns. These drug lords, facing intensified enforcement efforts, have allegedly fueled violence by supplying arms and ammunition to militant groups, further destabilising the region. 

(c) Eviction of Encroachers 

Approximately 32 per cent of Manipur’s forests are classified as protected under the Indian Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act. Encroachments by hill tribes and illegal immigrants for farming and settlements have led to significant deforestation.   Recent government-led eviction drives have targeted these encroachments, prompting accusations of anti-tribal bias and deepening tensions between the valley and hill communities. 

Voices from the Hill Tribes 

Many people from the Kuki-Chin-Zomi communities claim to oppose violence, emphasising their peaceful protests against the High Court’s order. They argue that militant groups responsible for the initial clashes do not represent their community. 

A Way Forward for Peace

over half of the insurgencies in northeastern India are concentrated in Manipur, making its stability crucial. Fostering dialogue among all stakeholders, addressing grievances equitably, and ensuring inclusive development are essential steps toward lasting peace in the region.

(The writer is  Independent Research Scholar; views are personal)