A Deepening Crisis: Recent Developments in Manipur’s Violence

Manipur, a state in India’s northeast, remains embroiled in ethnic conflict, with tensions escalating sharply in the past 20 days. The violence has primarily unfolded between the majority Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that has been simmering since May 2023. Recent developments reveal a grim landscape of allegations, demands, and intensifying political repercussions, underscoring the complexities of this conflict.

Background and Recent Flashpoints

The ethnic strife in Manipur traces its origins to historical grievances, but the current wave of violence was sparked by an April 2023 Manipur High Court order recommending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meiteis. This ignited fears among the tribal Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, who worried about potential encroachments on their land and resources. While this unrest has been ongoing, the last 20 days have seen notable intensification in violence and political maneuvering.

Key incidents during this period include:

1. Renewed Clashes in Hill Areas:
   • Reports of armed groups clashing in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts have surfaced, with both sides accusing each other of initiating hostilities. The death toll has risen, with dozens reportedly killed and injured.
   • Several Kuki villages were attacked, prompting allegations that state security forces colluded with Meitei militias, an accusation denied by government officials.
2. Targeted Violence and Arson:
   • In Imphal, a series of arson attacks destroyed homes and businesses belonging to the Kuki community. Similarly, retaliatory violence has targeted Meitei-dominated areas in the hills, further polarizing the communities.
3. Allegations of Involvement by Armed Groups:
   • Radical groups like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun are accused of orchestrating attacks against tribal communities. Both organizations claim to act in defense of Meitei interests.
   • Simultaneously, the Kuki National Army (KNA) has been implicated in counter-operations, allegedly involving cross-border fighters from Myanmar, fueling concerns about external interference.

Allegations and Demands

The ongoing violence has fueled a slew of allegations and demands from both sides:

• Meitei Community:
  • The Meiteis, who primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, continue to demand recognition under the ST category, asserting that this status would ensure constitutional safeguards against perceived demographic threats posed by illegal immigrants.
  • Community leaders have also called for stringent implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, aimed at identifying and expelling undocumented migrants, particularly from Myanmar.
• Kuki-Zo Tribes:
  • Tribal leaders have reiterated demands for a separate administration, citing systematic marginalization and the failure of the state government to protect them from targeted violence.
  • The Kukis allege that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s administration is complicit in enabling violence against their communities, with claims of partiality in deploying security forces.

Political Responses and Failures

The central and state governments have come under intense scrutiny for their handling of the crisis. Recent political developments include:

1. State Government’s Apology:
   • On December 31, 2024, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh publicly apologized for the ethnic unrest, acknowledging the failure of state authorities to prevent loss of life and displacement. However, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized the apology as insufficient, demanding Singh’s resignation.
2. Parliamentary Stalemates:
   • The Indian Parliament has witnessed heated debates over the situation in Manipur. Opposition parties have accused the central government of inaction, while ruling party members argue that external factors, including cross-border insurgency, complicate the crisis.
3. Judicial Interventions:
   • The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Manipur. Recent orders have directed the central government to ensure equitable distribution of relief and investigate allegations of bias in the actions of state police.

Humanitarian Fallout

The violence has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 250 deaths reported since the conflict began. In the last 20 days alone:

• Displacement and Refugees:
  • More than 60,000 people remain displaced, with fresh displacements reported from violence-hit areas. Relief camps in both hill and valley regions are overcrowded, with inadequate provisions for food, water, and medical care.
• Impact on Women and Children:
  • Women and children are disproportionately affected. Incidents of sexual violence have been reported, with both communities accusing the other of atrocities. Activists have urged the government to expedite investigations into these cases and provide support to survivors.
• Militarization and Fear:
  • The deployment of nearly 67,000 security personnel, including the army, Assam Rifles, and state police, has failed to quell the violence entirely. Many areas remain militarized, and curfews have disrupted daily life, fueling resentment among civilians.

Legal and Political Repercussions

The recent escalation in violence has significant legal and political implications:

1. Accountability Measures:
   • Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the violence, particularly the alleged role of state forces in abetting attacks on minority communities. Amnesty International’s recent report highlights systemic failures in ensuring justice for victims.
2. Demands for Resignations:
   • Opposition parties and tribal organizations have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accusing him of exacerbating ethnic divisions. This has led to political instability within the ruling BJP-led government in the state.
3. Federal Intervention:
   • The central government’s efforts to mediate peace through “confidence-building measures” have faced criticism for being too little, too late. The imposition of President’s Rule has been suggested as a potential remedy, though it remains a politically sensitive decision.
4. International Attention:
   • The crisis has drawn the attention of international human rights bodies and the diaspora. Accusations of ethnic cleansing have tarnished India’s global image as a pluralistic democracy.

Pathways to Resolution

Addressing the crisis in Manipur requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Immediate Ceasefire:
   • Both communities must be brought to the negotiating table under the aegis of neutral mediators, potentially including representatives from civil society and religious groups.
2. Judicial Oversight:
   • A judicial commission should be established to investigate the root causes of the conflict and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of their affiliations.
3. Long-Term Solutions:
   • The state government must ensure equitable development across Manipur’s hill and valley regions. Land reforms, enhanced representation for tribal groups, and constitutional guarantees for minority rights can help address long-standing grievances.
4. Monitoring External Influences:
   • Given allegations of cross-border involvement, the central government must enhance border security and collaborate with Myanmar to address insurgent activities.

Conclusion

The violence in Manipur over the past 20 days underscores the deep-seated ethnic divisions and governance challenges in the state. While apologies and security deployments may offer temporary reprieves, lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, justice, and inclusive development. As the people of Manipur endure yet another cycle of bloodshed, it is imperative for both state and central governments to act decisively to heal the fractures and rebuild trust among its communities.

Contributed by Dev Karan Sindwani (Intern)