What happened so far?
Manipur violence is a term used to describe the recent clashes that broke out in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur between different ethnic groups over the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur and live mainly in the central valley, while the recognised tribes such as the Nagas and Kukis live in the surrounding hills. The Meiteis have been demanding ST status for years to get affirmative action benefits such as reservations in government jobs, education and political representation. However, the tribal groups oppose this demand, fearing that it will reduce their share of resources and opportunities.
The violence erupted on Wednesday (May 3) during a 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to protest against the Meitei demand. The march turned violent in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, where protesters clashed with other groups and set fire to vehicles and buildings. The state government imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet services in many parts of the state to control the situation. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles carried out flag marches and rescued more than 7,500 civilians of all communities. According to some reports, at least 54 people have died in the violence so far.
What is the history of ethnic conflicts in Manipur?
Ethnic conflicts in Manipur have a long and complex history, involving various communities, militant groups and external powers. Some of the major factors that have contributed to the conflicts are:
- The colonial intervention of the British, who annexed Manipur in 1891 and divided the state into two administrative units: the valley under direct British rule and the hills under indirect rule through tribal chiefs. This created a sense of alienation and resentment among the hill tribes, who felt exploited and marginalized by the British and the Meiteis.
The partition of India in 1947, which resulted in the loss of Manipur's access to the sea and its traditional markets in East Bengal (now Bangladesh)³. This affected the economy and livelihood of the people, especially the Meiteis, who depended on trade and agriculture.
- The merger of Manipur with India in 1949, which was opposed by many sections of the society, especially the Meitei nationalists who wanted to restore Manipur's sovereignty. This led to the emergence of various insurgent groups, such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People's Liberation Army (PLA), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and others, who fought for independence or autonomy from India.
- The Naga insurgency, which started in the 1950s with the demand for a Greater Nagaland comprising all Naga-inhabited areas of Northeast India and Myanmar. The main Naga insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM), has been engaged in peace talks with the Indian government since 1997, but has not given up its demand for integration. The Nagas have also clashed with other tribes, such as the Kukis and Zomis, over land and resources.
- The Kuki insurgency, which started in the 1980s with the demand for a separate state or homeland for the Kukis within India or outside. The Kukis have also been involved in violent conflicts with the Nagas and other tribes over territorial disputes and historical grievances. The Kuki militant groups, such as the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF), have signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in 2008, but have not reached a final settlement yet.
- The Meitei demand for ST status, which has been raised since 2011 by various organizations, such as the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDC) and All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU). The Meiteis argue that they are indigenous people of Manipur who have been deprived of their rights and opportunities by successive governments and policies. They seek ST status to get reservations and protections under the Indian Constitution. However, this demand is strongly opposed by the tribal groups, who fear that it will dilute their existing privileges and advantages.
These are some of the major factors that have shaped the history of ethnic conflicts in Manipur. However, there are also other issues, such as human rights violations, drug trafficking, corruption, development disparities and cultural differences that have added to the complexity and intensity of the conflicts.
What are some of the development disparities between valley and hills?
Development disparities between valley and hills in Manipur are one of the major sources of conflict and resentment among the different communities. Some of the indicators of these disparities are:
- The allocation of resources and funds by the state government, which is often accused of being biased towards the valley districts and neglecting the hill districts. According to some reports, around 80% of the funds meant for development in the state are consumed by the valley, which accounts for only 10% of the geographical area. The hill districts, which cover 90% of the landmass and have a larger population density, receive only 20% of the funds.
- The availability of infrastructure and services, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, public distribution system, transportation, electricity, water supply, etc., which are much better in the valley districts than in the hill districts. For instance, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the stark differences and inequalities in accessing quality healthcare and education between the hills and valley. The hill districts also face frequent disruptions and blockades of essential commodities due to poor road connectivity and security issues.
- The representation and participation in the political and administrative spheres, which are dominated by the Meitei community from the valley districts. The hill districts have only 19 seats out of 60 in the state assembly, while the valley districts have 41 seats. The hill districts also have less autonomy and power than the valley districts, as they are governed by the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971, which limits their jurisdiction and functions.
The hill districts have been demanding more autonomy and representation through a new bill that would repeal the 1971 Act and provide more rights and resources to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
These are some of the development disparities between valley and hills in Manipur that have created a sense of deprivation and discrimination among the hill communities and fuelled ethnic conflicts and violence in the state.
How drug trafficking affected manipur?
Increasing drug abuse and addiction among the youth and the general population, especially in the border areas and the valley districts. According to a survey conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) in 2019, Manipur had the highest prevalence of opioid use (14.5%) and injection drug use (7.1%) among all the states in India. Drug abuse has also led to various health and social problems, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, crime, violence, poverty and stigma.
Funding insurgency and violence in the state, as many militant groups are involved in drug trafficking as a source of income and weapons. Drug trafficking also creates a nexus between insurgents, politicians, bureaucrats, security forces and drug lords, who benefit from the illegal trade and undermine the rule of law and governance. Drug trafficking also fuels ethnic conflicts and communal tensions, as different groups compete for control over the lucrative business.
Damaging the environment and biodiversity of the state, as drug trafficking involves large-scale poppy cultivation and deforestation in the hill districts. Poppy cultivation not only destroys the natural vegetation and wildlife, but also degrades the soil quality and water resources. Deforestation also contributes to climate change and natural disasters, such as landslides and floods.
-Affecting the economy and development of the state, as drug trafficking diverts resources and opportunities from productive sectors and creates a parallel black economy. Drug trafficking also discourages investment and tourism in the state, as it creates a negative image and reputation of Manipur as a drug hub. Drug trafficking also erodes the human capital and social capital of the state, as it affects the education, health and well-being of the people.
These are some of the ways drug trafficking has affected Manipur. However, there are also other impacts, such as affecting the culture and identity of the people, undermining the security and sovereignty of the nation, and violating human rights and dignity.
What are some of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with drug trafficking?
- The porous and rugged border with Myanmar, which makes it difficult to monitor and control the movement of drugs and smugglers across the border. The border is also influenced by various insurgent groups and ethnic militias, who often provide protection and support to the drug traffickers in exchange for money and arms.
- The lack of coordination and cooperation among different agencies and departments, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Narcotics and Affairs Border (NAB), the police, the customs, the excise, the forest, the revenue, etc., who are involved in combating drug trafficking. There is also a lack of information sharing and intelligence gathering among these agencies, which hampers their effectiveness and efficiency.
- The corruption and complicity of some officials and politicians, who are involved in drug trafficking or have links with drug lords and mafias. These officials and politicians often misuse their power and influence to facilitate or protect the drug trade, or to sabotage or manipulate the investigations and prosecutions.
- The legal and procedural hurdles that hamper the swift and strict action against drug traffickers and offenders. These include the lack of adequate laws and regulations, the delay and backlog in courts, the low conviction rate, the lenient punishment, the bail provisions, etc., which create a sense of impunity and encourage drug trafficking.
- The social and economic factors that motivate some people to engage in drug trafficking or cultivation as a source of livelihood or income. These include the poverty, unemployment, lack of education, lack of alternative opportunities, etc., that affect many people in Manipur, especially in the hill districts.
These are some of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with drug trafficking in Manipur. However, there are also other challenges, such as the lack of awareness and sensitisation among the public, the lack of infrastructure and resources among the agencies, the lack of political will and commitment among the leaders, etc., that affect their performance and outcome.
Role of central government to handle all the above mentioned issues from ethnic violence to developmental issues?
The role of the central government in handling ethnic violence and developmental issues in Manipur is crucial and multifaceted. Some of the aspects of this role are:
Providing security and stability to the state, by deploying adequate forces and resources to prevent and contain violence, protect the lives and property of the people, maintain law and order, and enforce the rule of law. The central government also has to coordinate and cooperate with the state government and other agencies, such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), etc., to combat various threats, such as insurgency, drug trafficking, human trafficking, etc.
Promoting dialogue and reconciliation among the different ethnic groups, by facilitating peace talks and negotiations, addressing their grievances and demands, ensuring their participation and representation in the political and administrative processes, and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect. The central government also has to balance the interests and aspirations of various stakeholders, such as the state government, the civil society, the armed groups, the neighboring states and countries, etc., while pursuing a lasting solution.
Supporting development and welfare of the state, by providing financial assistance and grants, implementing various schemes and projects, enhancing infrastructure and services, creating employment and livelihood opportunities, improving education and health outcomes, and reducing poverty and inequality. The central government also has to ensure that the development interventions are inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs and priorities of the people.
Strengthening democracy and governance in the state, by ensuring free and fair elections, upholding constitutional rights and freedoms, empowering local bodies and institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, combating corruption and nepotism, and enhancing public trust and confidence. The central government also has to respect the autonomy and diversity of the state, while fostering a sense of national unity and integration.
These are some of the aspects of the role of the central government in handling ethnic violence and developmental issues in Manipur. However, there are also other aspects, such as enhancing cultural and social exchanges, building human capital and social capital, promoting regional cooperation and connectivity, etc., that are important for achieving peace and progress in the state.
What are some of the achievements or successes of the central government in this role?
Some of the achievements or successes of the central government in handling ethnic violence and developmental issues in Manipur are:
Signing a framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM), the largest Naga insurgent group, in 2015, which paved the way for a peaceful resolution of the decades-old Naga issue that affects Manipur and other neighboring states. The agreement, which is yet to be finalized, is expected to address the political aspirations of the Nagas without affecting the territorial integrity of Manipur and other states.
Extending a ceasefire agreement with the Kuki militant groups, such as the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF), in 2020, which has helped to maintain peace and stability in the Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur. The agreement, which was first signed in 2008, is also expected to lead to a political settlement of the Kuki issue that has been a source of conflict and violence in the state.
Launching various development schemes and projects for Manipur, such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which aims to improve road connectivity and infrastructure in the state; the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free cooking gas connections to poor households; the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which provides affordable housing to rural and urban poor; the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which connects rural areas with all-weather roads; etc. . These schemes and projects have helped to enhance the quality of life and livelihood of the people of Manipur, especially in the remote and backward areas
Supporting various cultural and social initiatives for Manipur, such as the Sangai Festival, which showcases the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the state; the Khelo India Youth Games, which promotes sports and fitness among the youth; the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, which improves access and quality of secondary education; the National Health Mission, which strengthens health systems and services; etc. These initiatives have helped to preserve and promote the identity and diversity of Manipur, as well as to improve the health and education outcomes of its people.
These are some of the achievements or successes of the central government in handling ethnic violence and developmental issues in Manipur. However, there are also other achievements or successes, such as providing relief and rehabilitation to victims of violence and natural disasters, empowering women and marginalized groups, combating drug trafficking and human trafficking, etc., that have contributed to peace and progress in the state.
How can civil society and NGOs help in supporting these achievements or successes?
Civil society and NGOs can help in supporting these achievements or successes in various ways, such as:
Monitoring and evaluating the implementation and impact of the various schemes and projects launched by the central government, and providing feedback and suggestions for improvement and accountability.
Advocating and mobilizing for the rights and interests of the various ethnic groups and communities in Manipur, and ensuring their participation and representation in the peace talks and negotiations with the central government and other stakeholders.
Educating and sensitizing the public and the media about the issues and challenges faced by Manipur, and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect among the different groups and communities.
Providing relief and assistance to the victims and survivors of violence and natural disasters, and facilitating their rehabilitation and recovery.
Collaborating and partnering with the central government, the state government, and other agencies and organizations, to implement various initiatives and programs for the development and welfare of Manipur .
These are some of the ways civil society and NGOs can help in supporting these achievements or successes. However, there are also other ways, such as conducting research and documentation, building capacity and skills, creating networks and platforms, etc., that can help in enhancing peace and progress in Manipur.