(General Studies II –Federalism- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.)
- The Manipur crisis has become a significant point of concern, reflecting deeper issues within India’s governance, statehood, and ideological framework.
- For over a year, Manipur has been gripped by ethnic clashes, defiance of law enforcement, and ineffective government interventions.
- This situation raises concerns about the eclipse of governance, distortion of state power, and failure of Hindu nationalism to address internal conflicts.
Concerns of major factions –
| Meitei Concerns | Kuki Concerns |
| 1. ST Status: Meiteis (53% of the population) demand Scheduled Tribe status, recently supported by a High Court order. | 1. Land Loss Fear: Kukis fear Meiteis gaining ST status could lead to encroachment on their lands. |
| 2. Land Rights: Meiteis cannot buy land in hill districts, viewed as limiting their growth amid illegal immigration from Myanmar. | 2. Political Marginalization: Kukis feel underrepresented as Meiteis dominate the state assembly. |
| 3. Demographic Shift: Meiteis fear being outnumbered in the valley due to illegal immigrants from Myanmar, threatening cultural dominance. | 3. Immigration Tensions: Kukis face tension over association with Myanmar refugees, seen by Meiteis as a demographic threat. |
| 4. Economic Marginalization: Meiteis feel resources favour hill regions, creating development disparities. | 4. Economic Hardship: Kukis rely on agriculture and poppy cultivation, facing economic pressure from government crackdowns. |
Reasons behind the failure of the government to control Manipur Violence –
- Non-responsive Governance:
- Failure to address the ongoing violence and tensions in Manipur underscores a broader pattern of inaction in response to crises.
Figure 1 Governance Approach towards Manipur
- It was also visible in national crises, such as the CAA-NRC protests and the farmers’ protests.
- The media also allowed the crisis in Manipur to fester.
- Passivity in Ethnic violence
- A government has remained largely passive in the face of ethnic violence in a border state.
- Instead of taking concrete steps to restore order and peace, the state has resorted to symbolic gestures and political posturing.
- This approach is part of a broader trend where the state is used as a tool for domestic perception, international image-building, and suppression of internal dissent.
- Failure of Nationalism
- The ideological framework of nationalism has also played a crucial role in the Manipur crisis. The recent idea of nationalism, which conflates religion with nationhood, struggles to accommodate the diverse ethnic and religious communities in India, particularly in the North-East.
- In Manipur, the Hindu-Christian divide has exacerbated tensions between communities, with the ruling party’s identification with religious nationalism contributing to the failure to broker peace.
- Social media and Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and extremist rhetoric on social media has fuelled violence and distrust between communities
- Failure of Security Forces: Despite the deployment of central security forces, their effectiveness has been questioned. Reports of security forces taking sides or failing to act impartially have diminished public confidence in their ability to restore peace.
Steps to bring peace in Manipur –
- Dialogue and Negotiation: Initiate talks between Meitei and Kuki leaders, civil society, and government to address grievances. Form a peace committee for mediation.
- Confidence-Building: Foster trust through joint events, cultural exchanges, and collaborative projects, addressing historical grievances and promoting unity.
- Disarmament and Security: Disarm militants and retrieve looted weapons. Enhance security to protect vulnerable communities and prevent violence.
- Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons: Provide housing, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for displaced individuals, focusing on vulnerable populations.
- Address Economic Disparities: Ensure equitable resource distribution and development benefits for all communities, resolving land rights issues.
- Border Regulation: Strengthen border security with fencing, more personnel, and Integrated Check Posts to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
- Combat Misinformation: Raise awareness through civil society programs, addressing hate speech and promoting peace and coexistence.
- Long-term Reconciliation: Establish truth and reconciliation initiatives, including healing processes and forgiveness ceremonies to rebuild relationships.
- Government Accountability: Ensure regular engagement, transparency, and accountability from central and state governments to address community concerns.
- Support for Youth and Education: Engage youth through educational programs, scholarships, and vocational training to prevent violence and militant recruitment
Manipur’s crisis is not just a local issue; it is a reflection of the broader national failure in governance, statehood, and nationalism. The ongoing violence and the government’s lack of response are stark reminders of the shortcomings of the current political and ideological framework in addressing India’s complex social fabric. The Manipur crisis serves as a cruel reminder of the dangers of community-based nationalism and the failure of the state to ensure peace and coexistence.
