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The Illusion of Gains: A Settlement Without Substance for Meiteis

by Editorial Team
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The Illusion of Gains: A Settlement Without Substance for Meiteis

The ongoing political maneuvers in Manipur indicate that both the Centre and the state are moving toward fulfilling the demands of the Nagas and Kukis while keeping the Meiteis distracted with symbolic gestures. The plan is clear: grant tangible concessions to the hill communities while ensuring that the Meiteis believe they have gained something, even when nothing of substance is given. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh might be aware of this, but he has no control over the process and may not even grasp the full extent of what is unfolding.
The Centre’s engagement with the Naga and Kuki groups has intensified, with reports suggesting that their long-pending demands for separate administrative arrangements are being seriously considered. Whether in the form of an expanded autonomy for the Nagas or a special territorial status for the Kukis, concrete steps are being taken to accommodate their aspirations. In contrast, the Meitei community has been given vague assurances and kept engaged in discussions that lead nowhere. Their core issues—such as the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, concerns over illegal immigration, and the restoration of normalcy—have been sidelined.
This is a calculated approach. The government does not want to appear as if it is ignoring the Meiteis outright, as that could trigger a backlash. Instead, it is creating an illusion of participation and gains, ensuring that the Meiteis remain hopeful while real benefits are given elsewhere. Small administrative changes or cosmetic political gestures may be framed as achievements, but they will not alter the realities on the ground. The long-term impact of this will be the consolidation of power and resources in favor of the Nagas and Kukis, while the Meiteis are left to manage expectations that will never be met.
Chief Minister Biren Singh’s role in this process is increasingly that of an observer rather than a decision-maker. Despite holding office, he does not have the authority to influence the key decisions being made by the Centre. His statements often reflect an attempt to reassure the public, but they lack substance. The real negotiations are happening at a level where he has no significant say, and by the time decisions are implemented, his government will only be in a position to endorse them.
A major indicator of this manipulation is the differential treatment of demands. The grievances of the Nagas and Kukis are framed as historical injustices that require urgent redress, while Meitei concerns are either ignored or dismissed as politically inconvenient. The same central government that is willing to discuss administrative autonomy for the hill communities remains non-committal on Meitei demands. The reasons for this selective engagement are clear: the Centre sees more strategic value in appeasing the hill communities while keeping the Meiteis occupied with controlled narratives.
This is not the first time such a strategy has been employed. A pattern has emerged over the years where the Meiteis are kept in a perpetual state of expectation while substantial changes favoring others are implemented. The government ensures that opposition is weakened by spreading misinformation, suppressing dissent, and using political figures who either lack the capacity or the willingness to challenge these decisions.
The Meitei community must recognize this deception before it is too late. Accepting vague promises without demanding concrete actions will only lead to further marginalization. Instead of being satisfied with symbolic gestures, there must be a stronger, united push for real representation in decision-making. Blind faith in the current leadership will not change the outcome. Without active intervention, the settlement process will reach its final stage, leaving the Meiteis with nothing but a carefully crafted illusion of gains.

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