The northeastern Indian state of Manipur continues to grapple with escalating ethnic violence, which reached a new peak on September 7 when six people were killed in a single day, marking the deadliest moment in the conflict that erupted in May 2023.
This latest surge has brought the overall death toll to 225, leaving the region in a state of unrest and disarray.
The root of this violence lies in the deep-seated tensions between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki tribal population.
The immediate cause of the conflict was a court order suggesting the extension of special economic benefits and quotas to the Kukis, similar to the privileges already enjoyed by the Meiteis.
This decision inflamed tensions and was further aggravated by the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which the Kuki and Naga communities have resisted, calling instead for greater autonomy within the state.
Deep-rooted grievances
Prof Ayanjit Sen, a senior Indian journalist and expert on international affairs, emphasized that the current unrest in Manipur has deeper historical roots.
He noted that the region’s troubles date back to the 1949 merger of Manipur with India. Before this, Manipur was a princely state under British rule.
Despite its integration into India, mistrust and suspicion have persisted between the Meitei majority and the tribal Kukis.
“The Meiteis, who comprise nearly 80% of the population, occupy only 20% of the land, while the rest is hilly terrain home to the Kukis and Nagas,” Ayanjit Sen told Dhaka Tribune.
This uneven distribution of land and resources, coupled with political dominance by the Meiteis, has led to decades of ethnic tension.
“The conflict between these communities has been brewing for a long time,” he added, highlighting how both political and military strategies have been employed by various governments over the years to address grievances, but with limited success.
The ongoing violence has left thousands of people displaced, forcing many into temporary shelters provided by the government.
Ayanjit Sen further noted that student protestors have clashed with security forces in different parts of the state, prompting the government to suspend internet services in several areas for five days in an attempt to contain the unrest.
Despite the violence, the government has allowed essential services, such as healthcare and public utilities, to continue operating.
External influence
According to Sen, the central and state governments are taking steps to resolve the crisis, although challenges remain.
“The government has been trying to maintain peace while ensuring the free movement of essential services,” he said, adding that the conflict has so far claimed many lives, injured countless others, and displaced thousands.
Sen dismissed rumors that Manipur had declared independence from India, clarifying, “Manipur is an integral part of India, and such claims are nothing more than false news intended to create discord.”
He pointed out that a group of Manipuris formed a self-proclaimed government-in-exile in London in 2019, but their efforts lack legitimacy.
India’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested one of the group’s leaders in 2021 and has since filed charges against several individuals involved.
The international angle of the conflict has also garnered attention.
In March 2023, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused the “China-Myanmar module” of aiding factions of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) to infiltrate India and support banned Meitei outfits.
These groups allegedly sought to exploit the ethnic unrest in Manipur as part of a broader effort to destabilize the state and wage war against the Indian government.
When asked about possible foreign involvement, Ayanjit Sen refrained from making direct accusations but remarked, “If any foreign power is involved, they would be better off stepping back, as India will not hesitate to act. India does not issue warnings, it takes action.”
Religious and ethnic dimensions
While some observers have attempted to cast the conflict in religious terms, portraying it as a struggle between Hindu Meiteis and Christian Kukis, Ayanjit Sen dismissed this notion, emphasizing that the dispute is primarily ethnic rather than religious.
“There are those who want to project a religious line in this conflict, but it’s really a mutual ethnic clash within the state,” he said.
He also condemned external forces trying to exploit the situation to tarnish the image of the Indian government.
“In-depth understanding and talks will be the best approach to solve the issues on the ground. The central government reportedly has a plan of action to bring lasting peace to the region,” Sen said.
Displacement
Beyond the immediate violence, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on local communities, especially in rural and hilly areas.
Thousands have been displaced from their homes, finding temporary refuge in makeshift camps or government-provided shelters.
The displaced face uncertainty over when, or if, they can return home, with their livelihoods severely disrupted.
Local businesses have also been affected, with many shutting down due to the volatile environment.
Essential services, however, remain operational, and the government has made efforts to ensure that healthcare, public utilities, and food supplies continue to reach those affected.
This ongoing ethnic strife poses a significant challenge for both the state and central governments, as they work to prevent further escalation while also addressing long-standing grievances that have divided Manipur’s communities for decades.
