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MANIPUR RIOTS

Disclaimer: The views and the opinion expressed in this article are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views and positions of Public Policy and Governance Society IIT Kharagpur.


Introduction:

The state of Manipur in Northeast India has recently experienced a wave of violence and unrest, stemming from a series of events and underlying tensions. This report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the causes and implications of the ongoing turmoil in Manipur. By examining the triggering factors, historical context, and demographic dynamics, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of the unrest. Additionally, we will explore the immediate consequences and the potential implications for the future of the state.

The Violence and its Origins:

The violence in Manipur began on May 3, triggered by a solidarity march organized by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) in opposition to a Manipur High Court order. The court had directed the state government to recommend the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (STs) list. This decision ignited tensions between different ethnic communities and set the stage for the violent clashes that followed.

Government Intervention:

In response to the escalating violence, the Central government invoked Article 355 of the Constitution, which empowers the Centre to take necessary measures to protect a state against internal disturbances. Consequently, security forces from the Army, Assam Rifles, Rapid Action Force, and local police were deployed to maintain law and order in the affected areas.

Let's rewind a bit and look at why it happened:

  • Merger of Manipur with the Union of India:
    - Manipur was a princely state under British colonial rule before 1947. The Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhachandra Singh, was the ruler of the state.
    - In August 1947, India gained independence from British colonial rule, and the British withdrew from India. The princely states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.
    - The Maharaja of Manipur signed the Instrument of Accession in August 1947, agreeing to accede to the Indian Union.
    - In June 1948, Manipur held an election based on universal adult franchise, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
    - In September 1949, under pressure from the Government of India, the Maharaja of Manipur signed the Merger Agreement, effectively merging Manipur with the Indian Union.
    - On January 21, 1972, Manipur, along with Meghalaya and Tripura, became a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

  • Ethnicity of Manipur:
    - The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur, found predominantly in the Imphal plains. They can also be found in the states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Some of them reside in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
    - The Meiteis predominantly identify as Hindu, while about 8% of them are Muslim.
    - They speak the Meitei language, officially known as Manipuri, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
    - The Meitei community has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional calendars, dance forms like Manipuri dance, martial art forms like Tang-ta, and sports like Sagol Kangjei (Polo) and Mukna Kangjei (traditional wrestling).

  • Meitei's Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status:
    - The Meitei Tribe Union recently approached the Manipur High Court, seeking directions to the Manipur government to recommend the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST list of Manipur to the Union Ministry for Tribal Affairs.
    - The petitioners argued that the Meitei community was recognized as a tribe before the merger of Manipur with the Union of India in 1949. They claimed that the community lost its identity as a tribe after the merger and seeks to regain it through ST status.
    - The demand for ST status is driven by the need to preserve the community's culture, ancestral land, tradition, and language. The Meiteis believe that ST status would provide constitutional safeguards to protect their heritage.
    - The Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has been advocating for the inclusion of the Meiteis in the ST list since 2012, highlighting the lack of constitutional safeguards for the community.

  • Population Decline and Marginalization:
    - The Meitei community claims that they have been gradually marginalized in their ancestral land, leading to a decline in their population.
    - According to the 2011 Census data, the Meiteis constituted 44% of the total population of Manipur, compared to 59% in 1951.
    - The decline in population is seen as a threat to the community's cultural identity and their position in Manipuri society.
    - Meitei community members filed contempt proceedings against the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Assembly, which passed a resolution opposing their inclusion under the ST category.

  • Demographic Changes and Marginalization of the Meiteis:

    A. Population Decline:
    1. According to census data, the population of the Meiteis, who predominantly reside in the Manipur Valley, has witnessed a decline over the years.
    2. In 1951, the Meitei population constituted approximately 59% of the total population of Manipur.
    3. However, as per the 2011 Census data, the Meitei population has decreased to around 44% of the total population.
    4. This decline has raised concerns among the Meiteis about the preservation of their cultural identity and the need for protective measures.

    B. Marginalization and Ancestral Land:
    1. The Meiteis claim to have been gradually marginalized in their ancestral land due to various factors, including demographic changes and encroachment.
    2. They argue that the influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar has put pressure on their land and resources, leading to a dilution of their cultural heritage and economic opportunities.
    3. The Meiteis believe that the inclusion of their community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list would provide constitutional safeguards and help protect their land, tradition, culture, and language.

    C. Need for Protective Measures:
    1. The demand for ST status by the Meiteis stems from the aspiration to preserve their distinct identity and address the challenges they perceive in their own state.
    2. They argue that inclusion in the ST list would provide them with legal protection, access to reservations in education and employment, and a platform to safeguard their cultural practices.
    3. The Meiteis believe that ST status would enable them to assert their rights and prevent further marginalization in their own ancestral land.

    D. Opposition and Controversies:
    1. The demand for ST status by the Meiteis has faced opposition from various quarters, including other ethnic groups in Manipur.
    2. Hill tribes, such as the Naga and Kuki communities, have expressed concerns about potential shifts in political and economic power if the Meiteis were granted ST status.
    3. Some argue that the existing affirmative action policies for the Meiteis, such as reservations based on caste and backwardness, are sufficient and that the ST status could lead to further inequalities and conflicts.
    4. The issue remains a subject of debate and negotiation, highlighting the complexities of addressing the aspirations and grievances of different ethnic communities in Manipur.

  • Demographic Changes and Land Ownership:
    A. Hill People's Population Increase and Religious Affiliation:
    1. The hill tribes of Manipur, including the Naga and Kuki communities, have witnessed a significant increase in their population over the years, according to available census data.
    2. This population growth can be attributed to factors such as higher birth rates, improved healthcare facilities, and increased life expectancy among the hill tribes.
    3. Additionally, the majority of the hill tribes have embraced Christianity as their primary religion, which has become prevalent among these communities.

    B. Disparities in Land Ownership:
    1. Land ownership in Manipur has been characterized by disparities between the valley and the hills.
    2. The hill tribes generally have the ability to purchase land in the valley regions, whereas the Meiteis face restrictions on buying land in the hills.
    3. This discrepancy in land ownership has contributed to perceptions of unequal treatment and grievances between the Meiteis and the hill tribes.

    C. Historical Factors and Land Policies:
    1. Historical factors and land policies have played a role in shaping the land ownership patterns in Manipur.
    2. During the colonial era, the British implemented land redistribution policies that allowed the Meiteis to acquire land in the hills, leading to concerns among the hill tribes about encroachment on their ancestral lands.

  • Opposition from Other Tribal Groups:
    - The demand for ST status for the Meite community has faced opposition from other tribal groups in Manipur.
    - One of the reasons cited for opposition is the perceived dominance of the Meiteis, both in terms of population and political representation. The Meiteis hold a majority of the Assembly constituencies in the valley region.
    - Other tribal groups express concerns about the potential loss of job opportunities and affirmative actions that are granted to Scheduled Tribes.
    - The advanced academic and socio-economic status of the Meitei community is also mentioned as a factor contributing to the opposition.
    - Some tribal groups argue that the Meiteis already have constitutional safeguards, as their language Manipuri is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and sections of the Meitei community are classified under Scheduled Castes (SC) or Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, which provide access to reservation benefits.

  • Hill Areas Committee (HAC):
    - The Hill Areas Committee (HAC) is the highest decision-making body in Manipur at the legislative level, responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development activities in the hill areas.
    - HAC is constituted under the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972, and comprises all MLAs elected from the hill areas of the state.
    - It has powers related to resource management, sanitation services, primary education, public health, and administrative and welfare services, including development and economic planning.

  • Manipur High Court's Ruling:
    - The Manipur High Court directed the government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST list of Manipur.
    - The court recognized the long-standing demand and importance of the issue for the Meitei community.
    - The government was instructed to submit its recommendation after considering the case of the petitioners within a specified timeframe.

  • VIII. Benefits of Inclusion in the ST List:
    - Inclusion in the ST list provides several benefits, such as post-matric scholarships, overseas scholarships, national fellowships, concessional loans from the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation, hostels for students, and reservation in services and admission to educational institutions.

  • Insurgency and Other Factors:
    - The insurgency in Manipur is not solely attributed to the demand for ST status by the Meitei community but is influenced by multiple factors, including land disputes, socio-economic disparities, and historical grievances among different ethnic groups in the state.

    Understanding the complexities and aspirations of different communities, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders, and fostering inclusive dialogue are essential for resolving the insurgency and promoting peace and harmony in Manipur.