The current situation in Manipur, India is tense and volatile. The state has been rocked by ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities since May 2023. The violence has claimed the lives of over 130 people and displaced more than 60,000.
The latest incident to sparkoutrage was the video of two Kuki women being paraded naked by Meitei men. Thevideo, which went viral, has been condemned by the government, political
leaders, and civil society groups.
In the 19th century, Manipur was conquered by the British. It remained a British protectorate until 1947, when it became part of independent India. The conflict primarily involves the Kukis, an indigenous group,and the Meiteis, who form the majority population in Manipur. The origins of the conflict can be traced back to historical land disputes, cultural differences, and competition for resources and political power in the region.
The Meiteis have historically
held significant influence in Manipur and controlled the valley areas, while
the Kukis predominantly inhabited the hills surrounding the valley. This
geographical division created tension between the two communities, leading to
sporadic clashes and rivalries over the years.
One of the major flashpoints in
the Kuki-Meitei conflict was during the early 1990s, when the Manipur
insurgency intensified. Various militant groups, representing both Kuki and
Meitei interests, engaged in violent activities seeking territorial control and
asserting their rights. The conflict escalated, resulting in numerous
casualties and displacements of communities.
The Indian government has made
efforts to address the conflict through dialogues, peace talks, and
implementing measures to foster better inter-community understanding. However,
the situation has remained complex and difficult to resolve completely due to
deep-rooted historical grievances and political complexities.
The root causes of the Kuki-Meitei conflict are complex and multifaceted.
However, some of the key factors include:
- Land and resource disputes: The Kuki and
Meitei communities have long competed for control of land and resources in
Manipur. This competition has been exacerbated by the Kuki people being
predominantly farmers, while the Meitei people are predominantly traders.
- Political marginalization: The Kuki people
have long felt marginalized by the Meitei-dominated government of Manipur.
This marginalization has led to a sense of resentment and frustration
among the Kuki people, which has contributed to the violence.
- The rise of armed groups: The Kuki-Meitei
conflict has also been fueled by the rise of armed groups on both sides.
These groups have been responsible for some of the most brutal violence in
the conflict.
The most recent round of
violence began in May 2023. The violence was triggered by a tribal solidarity
march organized by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) in the ten
Hill Districts of Manipur on 3 May 2023. The march was intended to express
dissent against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The violence quickly spread, and by the end of May, over 130
people had been killed and thousands had been displaced. The violence has been
particularly brutal, with reports of widespread looting, arson, and sexual
violence.
The violence has been condemned by both the Indian government and the
United Nations. The Indian government has deployed thousands of troops to Manipur
in an attempt to quell the violence, but the violence has continued.
The BJP and the RSS have been accused of supporting the Kuki community in the conflict. They have been accused of providing financial and logistical support to Kuki armed groups, and of inciting violence against the Meitei community.
The BJP and the RSS have denied
these allegations. They have said that they are committed to peace in Manipur, and that they have been working to promote dialogue between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
However, there is evidence to suggest that the BJP and the RSS may have played a role in the conflict. For example, in May 2023, a video was released that showed a BJP leader, Th. Shyamkumar, making a speech in which he called for the "extermination" of the Meitei community.
The video sparked outrage, and the BJP was forced to suspend Shyamkumar from the party. However, the incident
raised questions about the BJP's commitment to peace in Manipur.
The role of the BJP and the RSS in the Kuki-Meitei conflict is still being investigated. However, there is evidence to suggest that they may have played a role in the violence. The BJP
and the RSS needs to be transparent about their activities in Manipur, and they need to work to promote peace between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
- The BJP has been accused of supporting the Kuki armed groups
financially and logistically.
- The RSS has been accused of inciting violence against the Meitei
community.
- The BJP and the RSS have denied these allegations, but there is evidence
to suggest that they may be true.
- The role of the BJP and the RSS in the Kuki-Meitei conflict is still
being investigated.
- The BJP and the RSS need to be transparent about their activities in Manipur, and they need to work to promote peace between the Kuki and Meitei communities.