Manipur Violence 2023: Finding solutions to resolve Ethnic clashes.

Manipur Violence and Way Ahead.

Introduction: 

Manipur, one of the smallest states in India, is currently facing extreme violence and unrest. In the past two months, the region has witnessed houses being set ablaze, religious places burnt down, and a significant loss of lives and injuries. While the Prime Minister's office is yet to release an official statement on the current situation of Manipur, this blog post aims to shed light on the underlying causes of the violence in Manipur.

What is the cause of the violence in Manipur?

• Ethnic tensions: 

Manipur is home to various ethnic groups, including Meiteis (the majority), Kukis, and Nagas. Meiteis comprise a little more than half of the population while the tribals, Kukis and Nagas, are nearly 40%, 25%. Most of the Meiteis live in the Imphal valley while the tribals live in the hill districts.The Meitei community, which forms the majority, has been accused of dominating the political and economic landscape of the state. However, these communities have competing interests, leading to resentment and feelings of marginalization among some groups. Upholding communal harmony becomes a challenge in such an environment, as the interests of one community may not align with others.

• Insurgency: 

Manipur has been plagued by insurgency for several decades, with separatist groups like the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) actively fighting for independence. The government's heavy-handed tactics in dealing with these groups have contributed to the violence.

• Human rights violations:

 Security forces in Manipur have been accused of committing severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and rape. These abuses have fueled anger and resentment among the local population, leading to violent clashes with the authorities.

Recent Triggers of Violence:

Eviction drive: 

The government took action against forest encroachment in Manipur's hill areas, primarily inhabited by the Kukis. 

The state has total geographical area of 22,327 Sq. Km. of which 90% are hilly regions. As against this physical feature of the area, 61.45 per cent of the total population (2001) is in the valley while 38.45 percent in the hill districts.

According to ministry of environmental, forest and climate change, Govt. of India. Source

• Drug cultivation: 

Manipur lies on the drug trafficking route from Myanmar to India, and drug abuse has been on the rise in recent years. The involvement of drug cartels in the violence cannot be ruled out. Poppy cultivation, allegedly carried out by Kuki immigrants from Myanmar, takes place in the hill districts. The government's crackdown on poppy cultivation has caused tensions with the Kuki groups.

• Illegal migration: 

The government claimed the eviction drive targeted illegal Myanmar immigrants. However, the tribal Kuki community perceives it as a revengeful act by the dominant Meitei community, leading to harassment. This further strains inter-community relations and fuels violence.

Tribal demand by Meiteis: 

The High Court's decision to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis sparked protests from the Kuki and Naga communities. These communities fear that granting ST status to Meiteis would lead to further marginalization, as they believe Meiteis already have better representation in jobs and government.

How can the government address the Manipur violence?

Here I am presenting solutions or approaches that i have learnt as an anthropologist that may be helpful in addressing the causes of violence in the Manipur.

There can be many more administrative and immediate solutions to address the issue but this approach seems appropriate considering the socio-cultural context and ethnic diversity in the mind.

Nature man spirit complex 

It is a cultural ecological approach that helps to understand how the groups adopt the local environment and how the environment shapes the culture and societal features.

Here nature means the environment, man means the society i.e. marriage, family, kinship, etc. and spirit means supernatural gods and demons. These three parts are interdependent and interconnected with each other. This concept can help to understand affected tribes from their point of view (emic perspective) in order to frame better rehabilitation plans or eviction strategy for tribal groups. 

As the forest holds spiritual beliefs for the tribal communities, any action that affects their natural habitat impacts their social, economic, and belief systems. Proper consideration of their socio-cultural beliefs and practices is crucial during eviction drives to ensure effective rehabilitation.

As eviction drive may pose challenges to the Economic life, Social organization and beliefs which may be reason for their resistance.

Thus for tribal acceptance, the government have to address all three parts of the complex without leaving anyone behind. 

Refer to Nature Man spirit complex by L.P. Vidyarthi

Social Impact Assessment 

Further government can employ the Social Impact Assessment for the policies or over the judgement about giving tribal status to Meities.

Kukis are Demanding separate administration for tribal regions in Manipur, Government should find out such themes being propagated among the natives and act upon addressing such issues through Social Impact Assessment.

Social Impact assessment is the process of research, planning and management of social change or consequences (positive or negative, intended or unintended) arising from policies and plans, developments and projects. (UNEP 2007)

Examples of social impacts are people’s way of life, their culture and their community, their political systems.

Based upon the findings from assessment Officials would be in better position to address issues.

It can answer whether the changes brought by giving Tribal status to meities is justifiable or not.

Whether Separate administration is needed or not, what changes will be brought if separate administration is implemented in tribal region?

All such assessment can be done to gain insights about socio-cultural changes that tribal status to Meities would bring to communities in the region.

Conclusion:

 The violence in Manipur is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach for a lasting solution. Political, economic, and social measures need to be implemented to address the root causes of the conflict. Upholding communal harmony, addressing ethnic tensions, providing rehabilitation for affected communities, and ensuring fair representation are essential steps towards peace and stability in Manipur.