Context: Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and the Central government are holding talks after a gap of two years. Manipur has been riven by an ethnic conflict between Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo tribals since May 2023.
Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have iterated their demand for a separate Union Territory to be carved out of Manipur with its own legislature and a revision of the ground rules of the suspension of operations (SoO) pact.
So far, a total of 258 people are reported to have lost their lives in the internecine conflicts and more than 60,000 people have been displaced. In this context, let us understand the factors behind riots in Manipur, the way forward to deal with the situation and the broader issue of insurgency in Northeast.
Relevance of the Topic:Mains: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Factors Behind the Riots in Manipur
- Neglect of community rights: The primary trigger for the riots in Manipur was the inability of the state government to acknowledge and respect the territorial rights and distinct identities of the various tribal communities residing in the state.
- Integrationist policies: The government’s push for aggressive integration, particularly by attempting to dilute tribal land rights in Imphal valley regions, created friction between the Meitei and tribal communities.
- High Court decision: The situation escalated in April 2023 when the Manipur High Court directed a swift recommendation for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis. This decision heightened tribal anxieties, culminating in widespread protests in May 2023.
- Meitis political domination: Regardless of which party comes to power, the Manipur government has always been dominated by plainsmen Meiteis, who account for about 53 per cent of the state's population and live mostly in irregular oval-shaped Imphal Valley.
- This domination has often been viewed through the prism of suspicion by tribals -- mostly Nagas and Kukis, who make up 40 per cent of Manipur's population and live for the most part in the hills surrounding the valley.
Outcomes of the Riots in Manipur:
- Widespread displacement: Thousands of people, including both Meitei and tribal communities, were forced to flee their homes, leading to internal displacement and the establishment of relief camps.
- Loss of lives and property: The violence resulted in numerous casualties (285 people have lost lives) and widespread destruction of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
- Deepened ethnic divides: The riots intensified long-standing ethnic tensions, further polarizing communities and straining inter-group relations.
- Political repercussions: The riots have prompted reviewing policies related to tribal rights and state governance.
- Economy of State: The violence disrupted economic activities, trade, and the overall development of the region.
- Erosion of trust in governance: Public confidence in the state’s ability to manage communal issues and maintain law and order has been significantly undermined.
Way forward to deal with the present Manipur Situation:
- Declare President rule: President’s Rule should be declared in the state and select a governor, a dynamic police or army officer of integrity, who has experience in counter-insurgency, preferably someone who has served in the northeast.
- Revamp Administration: The administration would need to be completely revamped. There are senior officers who are more concerned about saving their skin rather than dealing fearlessly with situations which present formidable hazards. They will have to be replaced.
- Integrity of state should be upheld: It should be made clear to all and sundry that there would be no compromise on the integrity of Manipur.
- Strict approach towards violent groups: Those indulging in or inciting violence; those trying to give a religious colour to the conflict and have been responsible for vandalizing temples or churches; and those involved in drug trafficking.
- Disarming and peace building: There should be a well-organised attempt to disarm people of the unlicensed and prohibited bore weapons they may have acquired from any source. A time limit should be given and those found holding such weapons after the expiry of that time limit should be booked under the National Security Act.
- Peace committees should be formed in every district comprising representatives of every section/group/tribe. There should be a peace committee at the state level also comprising senior leaders of different sections/groups/tribes.
- Building Trust and Reconciliation: Addressing historical grievances, fostering social harmony, and promoting reconciliation among communities are crucial for long-term stability.
Conclusion: The primary concern should no doubt be to put down violence, quickly followed or accompanied by an effort to address the grievances. Find a middle ground, reconcile the differences, form peace committees at different levels, and take such political initiatives which convince the people of the government’s sincerity and inspire confidence. There should be a WHAM approach — winning hearts and minds.