Manipur Congress: Return of Normalcy Remains a Far Cry

Peace still a far cry in Manipur

Manipur, a state in Northeast India, has been witnessing a wave of sectarian violence between the Hindu Meitei and the Christian tribal communities since early May 2023. The clashes have resulted in the loss of many lives, displacement of thousands of people, and destruction of property and religious institutions. The root cause of the conflict is the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei, who are the dominant ethnic group in the state. The tribal groups, who are mostly Christians and enjoy ST benefits, oppose this demand as they fear losing their land rights and political representation.

The background of the conflict

The Meitei constitute about 53 percent of Manipur's 3.2 million population and live mostly in the valley districts of the state. They are followers of Hinduism and Sanamahism, a local animist faith. They have been demanding ST status since 2012, claiming that they are indigenous to Manipur and face socio-economic backwardness. They also argue that ST status would protect them from the influx of migrants from other states and neighbouring countries.

The tribal groups, on the other hand, account for about 41 percent of the population and inhabit the hill districts of the state. They belong to various ethnic groups such as Kuki, Naga, Zomi, Hmar, Paite, etc. They are predominantly Christians and have been enjoying ST benefits since 1956. They oppose the Meitei's demand for ST status as they fear that it would dilute their constitutional safeguards and privileges. They also accuse the Meitei of encroaching on their ancestral lands and discriminating against them in terms of development and governance.

The trigger and the aftermath of the violence

The violence erupted on May 3, 2023, when a court in Imphal reportedly granted ST status to the Meitei community. This sparked protests by the tribal groups, who blocked roads and burnt effigies of the chief minister and other leaders. The situation soon escalated into communal clashes, with both sides attacking each other with firearms, stones, petrol bombs, and machetes. Several villages, houses, churches, schools, and shops were torched by mobs. The security forces were also targeted by some armed militants who snatched their weapons.

According to official sources, at least 74 people have been killed and more than 45,000 have been displaced by the violence so far. Over 1,700 houses and churches have been destroyed and many more damaged. The state government has imposed curfew and suspended internet services in several areas to prevent further escalation of violence. The central government has also deployed additional troops and paramilitary forces to assist the state police in restoring law and order.

The efforts for peace and reconciliation

The state and central governments have been making efforts to bring peace and harmony among the warring communities. The chief minister has appealed to all sections of society to maintain calm and refrain from spreading rumours or hate speech. He has also announced relief measures for the affected people and promised to take action against those involved in violence.

The Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has visited Manipur and held talks with some civil society organisations representing both communities. He has assured them that their grievances will be addressed through dialogue and consultation. He has also urged them to work together for peaceful coexistence and reconciliation.

The Catholic bishops of Northeast India have also issued a statement expressing their grief and anxiety over the situation in Manipur. They have called upon both communities to make concessions in view of the common good and to respect each other's dignity and identity. They have also prayed for peace and healing in Manipur.

The way forward

The conflict in Manipur is not a new phenomenon but a manifestation of deep-rooted ethnic tensions that have plagued the state for decades. It reflects the complex socio-political realities of Northeast India, where multiple identities coexist with competing claims over land, resources, culture, and autonomy. It also exposes the failure of governance and development policies that have not addressed the aspirations and grievances of different groups.

To resolve this conflict, there is a need for a holistic approach that involves dialogue, trust-building, justice, and reconciliation among all stakeholders. There is also a need for a constitutional mechanism that can balance the interests of both communities and ensure their equal rights and opportunities. Moreover, there is a need for a long-term vision that can foster inclusive and sustainable development in Manipur and the entire Northeast region.

Peace is still a far cry in Manipur, but it is not impossible to achieve. It requires the collective will and effort of all the people of Manipur, as well as the support and guidance of the state and central governments, civil society, religious leaders, and the media. Only then can Manipur emerge from the cycle of violence and become a model of harmony and progress for the rest of India.

Source: 

(1) Indian Bishops launch appeal for peaceful coexistence in Manipur. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-05/indian-bishops-launch-appeal-for-peaceful-coexistence-in-manipur.html.

(2) MoS Home begins talks with civil society groups to restore peace in .... https://www.deccanherald.com/national/east-and-northeast/mos-home-begins-talks-with-civil-society-groups-to-restore-peace-in-manipur-over-500-weapons-still-missing-1222208.html.

(3) Spinoza Sasangpa on Twitter: "RT @TribalHerald: A month into # .... https://twitter.com/SpinozaKuki/status/1665115339628204032.

FAQ's

Which govt is ruling in Manipur?

Nongthombam Biren Singh (born on 1st January, 1961) is an Indian politician and former footballer and journalist. He is the present Chief Minister of Manipur.

Which political party is in power in Manipur?

The Bharatiya Janata Party, or simply, BJP Manipur (BJP; [bʱaːɾət̪iːjə dʒənət̪aː paːrtiː] ( listen); lit. 'Indian People's Party'), is the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party of the Manipur.

Who is the present president of Manipur?

N. Biren Singh

What is the symbol of Manipur state Congress Party?

"Cultivator Cutting Crop" is the election symbol of the party.