Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has a long history of ethnic conflict. The recent violence started in May 2023, when a dispute arose over the granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to some communities. This status provides certain social and economic benefits.

Violence escalated, with clashes between different ethnic groups. There were many human casualties. The state government imposed a curfew and deployed security forces to quell the unrest. However, the violence has been going on for several months.

As of February 2024, the situation in Manipur has calmed down somewhat, but tensions remain high.

What is the main reason for Manipur violence?

Several key factors contribute to and intertwine, fueling tensions, and fueling violence. Here are some prominent contributing factors:

Land and Resources:

Competition for land and resources, between most Meiteis and the Kukis communities, has been a long-standing source of tension. This competition stems from issues such as land ownership, deforestation, and access to water.

Ethnic Identity and Discrimination:

Ethnic identities play a significant role in the Manipur society. Historical grievances and discrimination contribute to the conflict. The Meiteis community feels threatened by demographic changes and fears cultural assimilation. Some Kukis  groups feel marginalized and seek greater political autonomy.

Militancy and security:

Existing armed militant groups on both sides further complicates the situation. These groups often have their own goals and engage in violent activities. The groups exacerbate tensions and undermine peace efforts.

Political manipulation:

Political actors sometimes exploit existing ethnic divisions for their own benefits. They mobilize communities along ethnic lines and inflame tensions for electoral gains.

Historical Grievances:

The legacy of British colonialism and past inter-communal violence casts a long shadow. This is how they shape today’s perceptions and encourage mistrust.

Socio-economic conditions:

Poverty, unemployment, and lack of development opportunities contribute to frustration and social dissatisfaction.

Solving this issue requires a comprehensive approach. In addition, promoting fair development and addressing socioeconomic disparities play a key role in creating a more peaceful society in Manipur.

History of Manipur violence

The history of violence in Manipur is long and complex. They have roots that go back to the past. Here are some key points:

Pre-Colonial Era:

Different ethnolinguistic communities coexisted with varying degrees of conflict and cooperation.

There were land disputes between the communities.

Rivalries between powerful kingdoms in the region sometimes led to armed conflicts.

Colonial era (1891-1947):

British annexation disrupted traditional power structures and fueled tensions.

Land alienation and discriminatory policies created resentment among indigenous communities.

The divide-and-conquer tactics exacerbated pre-existing ethnic divisions.

Post-colonial period (1947-present):

Integration into India has brought new challenges:

Dissatisfaction with the merger agreement.

Feeling of marginalization and lack of autonomy.

Demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by some communities.

The rise of armed militant groups advocating different ideologies

Independence

Greater autonomy for certain ethnic groups

Social and economic justice

Clashes between militant groups, security forces, and rival communities.

The major episodes of violence were in 1964, 1997, 2004, 2010, 2012, and most recently in 2023-2024.

Basic factors that perpetuate violence:

Disputes over land and resources

Ethnic identity and discrimination

Perceived historical injustices

Political manipulation of ethnic divisions

Socioeconomic disparity and lack of development

Existing armed militant groups

Taking a deeper look at the Manipur Violence: The 1964 Manipur Uprising

In 1964, a significant event occurred in the history of Manipur, known as the Manipur Uprising. It lasted nine months and marked a dark chapter in the country’s relations with India. Here’s a deeper dive into its causes, events, and consequences:

Trigger:

While grievances surrounding the merger of Manipur with India in 1949 had existed for years, the immediate trigger was the death of Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh in September 1963. This has caused lingering frustrations to:

Loss of autonomy:

The merger agreement promised internal autonomy. Considered not implemented.

Imposition of Hindi:

People saw the attempt to make Hindi the national language as threatening to the Meitei identity.

Economic disparity:

Perceived marginalization and lack of economic opportunity fueled resentment.

Events:

October 1963:

Protests break out against the Indian government, demanding greater autonomy and justice for the Maharaja’s death.

January 1964:

The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) declared a general strike.

March 1964:

Armed resistance began with forming the “Mizo National Front” (MNF), later renamed the “United National Liberation Front” (UNLF). Their aim was to achieve an independent Manipur.

Months of  Maripur violence:

Clashes between Meiteis  rebels and Indian security forces have resulted in casualties on both sides. Curfews, media restrictions, and arrests further aggravated the situation.

September 1964:

Despite ongoing tensions, the negotiators achieved a ceasefire agreement.

The authorities suppressed the uprising, but they left the grievances unresolved.

Increased militarization in the country fueled further distrust of the Indian government.

This event fueled emerging militant groups seeking greater autonomy or independence for Manipur.

Despite signing a peace agreement in 1997, tensions and occasional violence continued.

Further research:

Resources:

Manipur State Museum: https://manipurtourism.gov.in/

Manipur University Library: http://mulibrari.manipuruniv.ac.in/

The major episodes of Manipur violence in 1997

There are multiple perspectives on these events, and the following summary avoids graphic details:

Major episodes:

Ethnic conflicts:

Triggered by succeeding Meiteis villagers by Nagas militants in January 1997.

There have been clashes between the Meiteis and Nagas communities in Imphal and other districts.

They imposed a curfew and security forces intervened, leading to further tensions.

Imphal Bazaar Murders:

On security forces killed 8th July 1997, ten civilians in Imphal Bazar, leading to allegations of excessive force and brutality.

This incident further caused anger and protests.

Attacks on security forces:

In reaction to the Imphal Bazaar killings, Meiteis militant groups attacked security forces and government facilities.

This led to retaliatory actions by the security forces, creating a cycle of violence.

Displacement and human rights concerns:

The violence has displaced thousands of people, seeking refuge in camps or with relatives.

Human rights organizations have complained about arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings by security forces.

The violence subsided, but underlying issues such as historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and socio-economic disparities remained unresolved.

This episode fueled further discontent and contributed to the complex dynamics of violence in Manipur.

The major episodes of Manipur violence in 2004

Several incidents sparked violence in Manipur during 2004:

Death of Manorama Thangjam:

Trigger:

On July 11th, 2004, 32-year-old Thangjam Manorama, study Manipur, died in police custody under brutal circumstances. Her family claimed torture and sexual assault.

Events:

Mass protests broke out across Manipur, demanding justice and condemning police brutality. Clashes with the security forces led to new casualties and injuries.

They launched a judicial inquiry, but people contested its conclusions and subsequent actions, fueling anger and distrust.

Attack on Ima Keithel market:

Trigger:

On November 23rd, 2004, unidentified armed men attacked the Ima Keithel market in Imphal, injuring several women vendors and customers.

Events:

The attack, targeting women traders believed to be close to the government, led to widespread anger and protests condemning violence against civilians.

Perpetrators remain unidentified, adding to uncertainty and fear, while resentment against the government has intensified.

Protests against AFSPA:

Trigger:

During 2004, ongoing protests demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), giving security forces special powers and immunity from prosecution in certain cases.

Events:

Protests intensified following the attack on Ima Keithel, highlighting concerns over human rights violations under the AFSPA. Clashes with security forces and arrests further aggravated the situation.

AFSPA remains in force in Manipur despite constant calls for its repeal, adding to tensions.

 Internet exclusion and media restrictions:

Events:

To control the flow of information and quell protests, the government imposed an internet blackout and curbed media coverage during various episodes of violence.

People have criticized these restrictions for impeding freedom of speech and access to information, further fueling public frustrations and concerns about transparency.

Please read

Book: “State, Policy, and Conflicts in Northeast India” by Sanjib Kakoty.

The major episodes of Manipur violence in 2010

In 2010, several incidents added to Manipur’s complex history of violence. Here are some of the major episodes:

Arrest of human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam:

Trigger:

In February 2010, the authorities arrested prominent human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam under the National Security Act (NSA) without trial. This has sparked accusations of targeting civil society.

Events:

Protests broke out across Manipur, demanding the release of Loitongbam and criticizing the use of the NSA. Clashes with security forces led to injuries and arrests.

After 17 months, the government released Loitongbam, but the incident fueled distrust.

Escape from Imphal Jail and recapture:

Trigger:

In June 2010, six militants belonging to banned groups escaped from Imphal Central Jail.

Events:

Security forces conducted extensive searches and imposed a curfew across Imphal, leading to allegations of civilian harassment.

The authorities recaptured all six fugitives. Tensions remained high because of the perceived harshness of the security operation.

Media conflicts and shutdowns

Events: During 2010, journalists reporting on the protests and the security situation faced harassment, intimidation and even physical attacks. The government also imposed a temporary shutdown of the Internet, limiting the flow of information.

These actions raised concerns about press freedom and the right to information.

Violence in Manipur is a complex and sensitive issue.

The recent violence in Manipur started in May 2023, following a dispute over the granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to some communities. This status provides certain social and economic benefits. The decision to award it to some groups but not others has sparked outrage.

Conflicts between different ethnic groups have led to many deaths. The state government has imposed a curfew.

According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch, the Indian government has committed serious human rights violations in Manipur, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The report also calls for the repeal of the Armed Forces Act, which gives security forces broad powers to detain and arrest people without warrants.

The violence in Manipur is a tragedy, and it is important to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. All parties involved must respect human rights and work towards a fair and just solution.

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