MANIPUR ISSUE
Context:
The recent issue in Manipur is a series of violent protests that have been taking place since May 19, 2023. The protests are being led by tribal groups who are protesting against a Manipur High Court order that backed the inclusion of non-tribal Meities in the list of Scheduled Tribes. The protests have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and the displacement of thousands more. The Manipur government has imposed a curfew in several parts of the state and has issued shoot-at-sight orders.
States bordering Manipur:
- Manipur is a state in northeastern India. It is bordered by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south, and Assam to the west.
- It also borders two regions of Myanmar, Sagaing Region to the east and Chin State to the south.
- The official and most widely spoken language is Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri language). Native to the Meitei people, it is also used as a lingua franca by smaller communities, who speak a variety of other Sino-Tibetan languages.
Tribes of Manipur:
- The Manipur people are grouped into three main ethnic communities – Meiteis those inhabiting the valley and 29 major tribes in the hills dividing into two main ethno-denominations, namely Nagas and Kuki-Chins.
- The Naga group consists of Zeliangrong, Tangkhul, Mao, Maram, Maring and Tarao.
- The Chin-Kuki group consists of Gangte, Hmar, Paite, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, Aimol, Chiru, Koireng, Kom, Anal, Chothe, Lamgang, Koirao, Thangal, Moyon and Monsang.
- The term Chin is used for the people in the neighboring Chin state of Myanmar whereas Chins are called Kukis in the Indian side. Other groups like Paite, Zou, Gangte, and Vaiphei identify themselves as Zomi and have distanced themselves from the name, Kuki.
Main issue:
- The conflict between the Meiteis and tribals has a long history of political, economic and cultural grievances. The valley is dominated by non-tribal Meitei, who account for 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 35% of the officially recognised tribes but only send 20 MLAs to the Assembly.
- The Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, have been demanding ST status since 2012. They argue that it will help them preserve their ancestral land, tradition, culture and language. The tribals, who account for more than 35% of the population, are opposed to the Meitei demand for ST status, fearing it will reduce their share of political representation, reservation benefits and land rights.
Triggering factor:
- The Meitei people and other tribal groups clashed due to the state government’s anti-drug drive and the Manipur High Court’s order to expedite the recommendation for ST status.
Mains question:
Q: what is the impact of Manipur unrest on regional security of the northeastern India? (150 words) 10M