Why in the News?
Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, has been in the headlines since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, sparking intermittent clashes that continue into 2025. The immediate trigger was a Manipur High Court recommendation in April 2023 granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community, which would allow them land rights and quotas typically reserved for tribal groups. This inflamed long-simmering tensions with the Kuki-Zo tribes, who fiercely opposed the move. As confrontations intensified, the outbreak made national and international news—particularly due to extreme communal violence, sexual assaults, mass displacement, and a prolonged internet shutdown designed to contain unrest.
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Historical Context of Manipur-
Manipur’s history has been defined by a tapestry of migrations, kingdoms, and colonisation. It was an independent kingdom before becoming a princely state under British India. Post-independence, it acceded to India in 1949 and was declared a full-fledged state in 1972. Although located along strategic Asian corridors, it has also witnessed conflict—cross-border insurgencies, tribal uprisings, and friction between differing ethnic identities. The Kuki Rebellion of 1917–1919 is a notable historical rebellion where Kukis fought British recruitment policies.
Tribes and Violence-
Meitei vs Kuki-Zo:
- Meiteis: Primarily Hindu, residing in the Imphal valley; majority group with significant political and administrative influence.
- Kuki-Zo (and related tribal communities): These are the Predominantly Christian, which are residing in the hilly areas that is Churachandpur, Chandel, etc.
The modern flashpoint stemmed from the Meiteis’ legal push for ST recognition. This threatened tribal land rights, sparking tribal protests. On 3 May 2023, violence escalated more—houses were burned, civilians were killed, and flashpoints happened in Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Imphal. As of late 2024, over 258 people had died and 60,000 displaced in this violence; roughly 4,786 homes destroyed.
Major Actors:
The violence has involved both sides taking up arms, with Meitei nationalist vigilante groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun accused of leading attacks. Ethnic identity and fear of land loss have fuelled disputes—many triggered by competing land claims, access to jobs, and broader socio-economic imbalance.
Violence Against Women-
The crisis in Manipur has been marked by troubling gendered violence. Disturbing viral footage in May 2023 showed two Kuki-Zo women stripped and paraded before being assaulted—an attack widely condemned as systematic humiliation and ethnic terrorism. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty have documented multiple cases of sexual violence and abuse of Kuki women by Meitei assailants, often colluding with police complicity or inactivity.
This echoes a broader legacy: the infamous Thangjam Manorama case in 2004, where an unarmed Manipuri woman was tortured and murdered— triggering the Meira Paibi women’s movement. Presently, women’s groups like Meira Paibi have resumed activism—holding night patrols, protests and communal vigils, demanding accountability, relief for the displaced, and better protection for civilians.
Path Forward-
Government and Security Response:
- The central government has imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, replacing the state government amidst allegations of political bias.
- Heavy deployment of paramilitary forces and troops has established fragile peace lines and checkpoints, but tensions remain high.
- The Supreme Court revoked Meitei ST status in February 2024, but structural distrust around land and quotas remains unresolved.
Civil and Community Efforts:
- Women-led Meira Paibi networks have become key in peaceful protests, human rights monitoring, and grassroots peacebuilding.
- The Kuki-Zo Council which was formed in October 2024 offers tribal representation in policy discussions.
- Local peace models focus on inter-community reconciliation, livelihood restoration, and dialogue through NGOs and informal local bodies.
Necessary Steps:
- Dialogue and negotiation: Inclusive talks between Meitei, Kuki-Zo, government and tribal councils.
- Justice and protection: Swift, impartial investigation into sexual violence and mob attacks; emphasis on women’s safety.
- Economic rehabilitation: restoration of land rights, rebuilding homes, livelihoods, and schools.
- Demilitarisation: Regularise security presence, and withdraw paramilitary once civilian calm returns.
- Trust-building: Community-based inter-ethnic cooperation through joint initiatives to foster cohesion.
Conclusion-
Manipur’s crisis is a stark reminder of how historic ethnic inequalities, political moves, gendered violence and poor governance can combine to fragment society. It can be resolve with some efforts with deeper reconciliation—women’s empowerment, rights-based justice, land reforms, inclusive governance, etc.
A lasting peace should rest on honouring Manipur’s mosaic of cultures and identities—where Meitei and tribal communities should live as equals. The path forward will rely on justice, dialogue, and the resilience of its people—especially its women, who have time and again risen as torch-bearers for human dignity and unity.