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In a recent escalation of violence in Manipur, ten suspected militants, allegedly linked to the Hmar community under the Kuki-Zo ethnic group, were killed during an armed confrontation with security forces. The incident occurred in Jiribam district when heavily armed groups launched attacks on Meitei settlements, later targeting a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post and a local police station, resulting in injuries to a CRPF constable. The violence, stemming from recent inter-community tensions, has prompted the imposition of prohibitory orders in the district to prevent further bloodshed.

Overview of the Violence in Manipur

Manipur has been embroiled in ongoing conflict between its Kuki and Meitei communities, with clashes intensifying over recent months. The Imphal Valley, home to the majority Meitei community, accounts for only 10% of the state’s landmass yet holds significant political influence, as it houses over 64% of Manipur’s population and elects 40 of the 60 members in the State Assembly. In contrast, the hilly areas, inhabited primarily by the Kuki and other tribes, make up 90% of Manipur’s geographical area but elect only 20 MLAs.

The state has been in turmoil since February 2023, when the government’s eviction drive was seen as targeting specific tribal groups, sparking the current wave of violence and exacerbating long-standing grievances between the valley-dwelling Meitei and the tribal communities of the hills.

Key Triggers of the Recent Conflict

1. High Court’s ST Status Order

The recent violence was ignited by a Manipur High Court ruling, which directed the state to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. This decision reopened old wounds, reigniting tensions between the Meitei population and the state’s hill tribes, who fear that such a move would lead to further marginalization of their communities.

2. Tribal Solidarity March

In response to the court’s ruling, the All-Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a “tribal solidarity march” to protest the potential ST status for the Meiteis. Violent clashes erupted during this march, which intensified the conflict, leading to widespread violence across the state.

The Meitei Community’s Demand for ST Status

The demand for ST status among the Meitei community has been ongoing since 2012, spearheaded by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM). The Meiteis argue that they were once recognized as a tribe before Manipur’s merger with the Indian Union in 1949. Post-merger, they lost this status, which, they argue, has contributed to the erosion of their culture, language, and ancestral rights. The Meiteis contend that their population, which was 59% of Manipur’s total population in 1951, has dwindled to 44% according to the 2011 Census, and they have little protection in their own homeland.

Reasons Behind the Demand

The Meitei community insists that ST status would help them preserve their cultural heritage, safeguard their land rights, and protect them from becoming a minority in their ancestral lands. In their plea, they argued that they have suffered marginalization without constitutional safeguards and face a continuous erosion of their demographic presence.

Opposition from Manipur’s Tribal Groups

The tribal communities of Manipur, including the Kukis and Hmars, strongly oppose the demand for ST status by the Meiteis. They argue that the Meiteis already hold a significant advantage, both politically and demographically, and do not require additional protection. They fear that granting ST status to the Meiteis would allow them to acquire land in tribal-dominated areas, reduce job opportunities for hill tribes, and further strain inter-community relations.

The Manipuri language, spoken predominantly by Meiteis, is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and certain sections of the community are already classified as Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC). This opposition has been further compounded by suspicions that ST status would empower the Meiteis to take over tribal lands, causing an exodus of indigenous tribal communities from their native areas.

The Hmar Tribe and Recent Tensions

The Hmar tribe, believed to be part of the larger Mizo-Kuki-Chin ethnic group, primarily resides in the northeastern Indian states, including Manipur. They trace their roots to the Chin Hills of Myanmar and are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. The Hmar community, similar to other tribal groups in the region, follows traditional practices of clan-based societal organization and is economically dependent on shifting and settled farming.

Following the recent killing of a Hmar woman, the community claims the militants involved in the Jiribam violence were “village volunteers” who acted in retaliation. This incident has exacerbated community tensions, with tribal leaders in Kuki-Zo-majority districts, such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, calling for shutdowns and further escalating an already volatile situation.

Government Response and Future Outlook

The Manipur government has imposed prohibitory orders in Jiribam and sent additional security forces to prevent further clashes. The state administration has expressed concern over the rising violence and promised thorough investigations into recent incidents. However, the underlying grievances between the Meiteis and tribal communities require long-term solutions involving careful negotiations and social justice reforms.

FAQs

Q1. What triggered the recent violence in Manipur?
The recent violence was triggered by a Manipur High Court order to consider granting ST status to the Meitei community, sparking fears of marginalization among tribal groups and leading to violent clashes.

Q2. Who are the Hmar tribe, and why are they involved?
The Hmar tribe, part of the Mizo-Kuki-Chin ethnic group, resides primarily in northeastern India and is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe. They claim that the militants killed were “village volunteers” acting in retaliation for a recent killing of a Hmar woman, adding to tensions.

The recent violence in Manipur underscores deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions that, without resolution, may lead to further instability. Both the state and central governments face a challenging task of ensuring peace while addressing the unique needs of the Meitei and tribal communities within the legal framework of the Constitution.