What is the reason behind racial violence in Manipur?

S Venkateshwari
What is the reason behind racial violence in Manipur?

The social structure of Manipur is quite diverse. The main valley of this state is dominated by the Meitei community, which is about 64.6% of the total population of the state. Apart from this, many tribes like Kuki, naga, Zomi, Hmar live in the hilly areas. There are a total of 34 recognized tribes in Manipur, out of which the Kuki and naga tribes are culturally, politically, geographically and socially different from each other.

This division is not just cultural or ethnic, but is also linked to the questions of land, resources and power sharing. The Meitei community is dominant in the central valley of Manipur, while the Kuki and naga tribes reside in the hilly areas. There have been disputes between these tribes over land and resources for decades, which has now turned into a serious conflict.

The geographical structure of Manipur also complicates the conflict as 90% of the state's land is spread in the hilly region while only 10% of the land is in the valley region, which is the stronghold of the Meitei community.

Another aspect of ethnic violence in Manipur is the issue of inclusion of the Meitei community in the list of Specially Identified Tribes (ST) given by the state government. This issue became particularly serious in 2023 when the Meitei community demanded a change in the government policy for their protection and reservation. Thiswas opposed by the Kuki and naga tribes, who consider this move a threat to their cultural and political identity.

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