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Unraveling Manipur’s Ethnic Conflict
In a previous visual presentation, we delved deeper into the complex history of Manipur’s strife, highlighting the long-standing enmity between the Meitei and the Kuki. These two social segments, once intertwined in a shared past, currently find themselves caught in a devastating divide. As we begin this piece, allow us to revisit the historical landscape that has led to the current turmoil.
Reversing the temporal axis, it emerges that the roots of this division were sown in ancient times, in a bygone era when the Meitei, the inhabitants of the valley, and the Naga tribal population, the inhabitants of the highlands, often struggled for limited resources . , The British administration, to mediate, brought the Kuki tribe from neighboring forests during the 1800s. The objective of this strategic maneuver was to establish a buffer zone between the Naga tribes and the Meiteis. However, the Kukis displayed resistance to the dominance of British authority, which apparently culminated in their exile to the “ungovernable” jungles.
After India gained independence, insurgency developed within these caste groups, which led to the origin of the Gupta armies. Fervent Naga factions aspired to an autonomous sovereign entity, Meitei rebels initially planned to liberate Manipur, and in the contemporary era, Kuki rebels strongly advocated the establishment of a separate province called “Kukiland”. What is common among these different groups is the fear of erosion of their distinct cultural heritage.
In recent eras, demonstrations have been organized by moderate groups of Kuki and Meitei membership, motivated by a passion to protect their respective cultural lineages. Nevertheless, the current vortex of violence in these communities is a culmination of contrasting needs, disparities in ideological principles and government mandates. Our adventure continues as we delve deeper into the intricacies of these differences and their catalysts.
Struggle for Identity: A Nexus Formed by Government Orders and Communal Urges
Resuming our search at the epicenter of the Manipur unrest, we embark on a campaign at the urging of the Kuki people, who urge the establishment of a new Indian province to be called Kukiland, or at least, Tribal forests are included under its aegis. Sixth Schedule to the Constitution. Sadly, these prayers have been eclipsed by the advent of the Manipur Hill Area District Council 6th and 7th Amendment Bills proposed by the BJP-led government of Manipur in August 2022. This decree was met with resistance, leading to demonstrations and the execution of formal agreements.
The conundrum was compounded when, in March 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in certain areas of Manipur, particularly those relating to the valleys. While a ceasefire agreement was in effect, the Manipur government later abrogated the agreement relating to the suspension of operations in March 2023, resulting in increased unrest.
Another controversial maneuver involved the redrawal of the perimeter of administrative districts, resulting in displacement and eviction of tribes from the highland areas. Incidentally, apprehensions were raised regarding mining activities and enterprises related to oil palm cultivation in the area. These emerging developments raised fears of cultural destruction and encroachment on tribal territories.
Political Exploitation: A Growing Void and Targeted Malice
As time went on, the fierce unrest grew. A disturbing development came to the fore when an image, mistakenly depicting a victim of violence, was circulated on social media channels, sparking more discord. The manipulation of the political environment and the spread of vitriolic rhetoric emanating from influential persons increased the intensity of the violence.
The underlying origins of conflict are often linked to issues such as drug cultivation. Although many communities share some degree of participation, there is a responsibility to blame.
