There have been violent communal clashes in Manipur due to the Manipur High Court (HC) directing the State to pursue a 10-year-old recommendation to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community
The violence escalated after the All-Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) organized a "tribal solidarity rally" against the alleged move to include the Meiteis on the ST list.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said at a press conference that 60 people were killed, 231 injured and 1,700 houses, including religious places, burnt in the violence. He said the state cabinet resolved to provide ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh to those who suffered major injuries, and Rs 25,000 to those with minor injuries.
BACKGROUND
- The conflict between the Meiteis and the tribals has a long history of political, economic and cultural grievances.
- The valley, which accounts for roughly 10% of Manipur's geography, is dominated by non-tribal Meitei, who account for more than 64% of the state's population and produce 40 of the state's 60 MLAs.
- The hills, which cover 90% of the geographical region, are home to more than 35% of the officially recognised tribes but send only 20 MLAs to the Assembly.
- While Hindus constitute the vast majority of Meiteis, followed by Muslims, the 33 recognised tribes, broadly classified as 'Any Naga tribes' and 'Any Kuki tribes,' are predominantly Christian.
WHY ARE TRIBAL GROUPS OPPOSING THIS ORDER?
- The dominance of the Meiti community: Opposition to the demand for ST status for the Meitei community has been strong among the state’s tribal groups, who cite the dominance of the Meiteis in population and political representation. With 40 out of 60 Assembly constituencies located in the valley, the Meiteis hold significant sway in state politics.
- Economic losses for other communities: The loss of job opportunities as a result of affirmative actions granted to STs by the Constitution of India.
- Language and caste dominance: Opponents of the demand have also argued that the Manipuri language of the Meiteis is already included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and that sections of the Meitei community, predominantly Hindu, are already classified under Scheduled Castes or Other Backward Classes, granting them access to opportunities associated with that status.
- Eviction notices: The state government’s notices since August 2022 declaring 38 villages in the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest area (in Churachandpur and Noney districts) as “illegal settlements” and their residents as “encroachers” have been a significant cause of dissatisfaction.
ISSUE OF RESERVATION
- The Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley and constitute about 64% of the state's population, have been demanding ST status since 2012.
- They argue that they are an indigenous tribe who has lost their land, culture and identity due to migration and assimilation of outsiders.
- They also claim that ST status will help them preserve their ancestral land, tradition, culture and language.
- The tribals, who inhabit the surrounding hills and account for more than 35% of the population, are opposed to the Meitei demand for ST status.
- They fear that it will reduce their share of political representation, reservation benefits and land rights.
- They also accuse the Meiteis of encroaching on their ancestral lands and exploiting their natural resources
SOLUTIONS
- The unrest in Manipur reflects the deep-rooted ethnic divide and mistrust among different communities in the state. The state government and the central government need to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders and address their concerns fairly and transparently.
- The government should also ensure that law and order are maintained and that no innocent lives are lost or harmed in the violence.
- Civil society and media should play a constructive role in promoting peace and harmony among different groups and preventing misinformation and rumours from spreading.
- The people of Manipur should also realize that violence is not a solution to any problem and that they need to coexist peacefully with respect and tolerance for each other's culture and identity.
THANKYOU AND ALL THE BEST...
