Ethnic Diversity, a cause for the ethnic conflict in Manipur

By – Konjengbam Divia Devi
Manipur, as widely known, has a diverse ethnography, with the Meiteis as the majority, constituting about 53 per cent of the total population. At the same time, the Nagas constitute around 20 per cent comprising over 14 or more tribes; Anal, Angami, Chiru, Chothe, Inpui, Purum, Lamkang, Liangmai, Mao, Maram, Maring, Moyon, Tangkhul, Thangal,etc. with varying customs, social practices and dialects. Kukis consist of about 16 per cent, comprising over 20 or more subtribes: Gangte, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei, Thadou, Aimol, Monsang, etc., and the remaining comprises other smaller ethnic groups. Though ethnic Diversity may not be the direct cause of the recent ethnic conflict in the state, Diversity combined with political, economic and identity-based inequalities might have fueled tension among the communities.
During ancient times, Manipur was ruled by the Meitei Kings and the Meiteis, mainly in the valley, practised Sanamahism, while the tribal groups like the Nagas and Kukis in the surrounding hill regions had their own distinct cultures and political systems. Interaction among the groups existed through the medium of ‘darbars’, and clear geographical and cultural boundaries were maintained. However, after the Anglo-Manipur War, Manipur became a princely state under British rule. They applied their ‘divide and rule’ policy, treating the hills and valleys separately, which deepened the administrative, political and psychological divide between the hill and valley people.
Tensions and conflicts have often arisen among the communities regarding the so-called political bias and economic inequalities they face in the state, even when being a citizen and having equal rights to elect representatives. At times, some ethnic groups are politically marginalised and dominated by others in state politics. As a result, Insurgent movements arose out of being overlooked and their unfulfilled demands for greater rights.
Political issues might not be the only factor for the conflict; unequal economic benefits might be another, like the urban areas being all developed and prosperous, while the rural and remote areas have no proper infrastructure, transportability and facilities. Data from the NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (2021) shows that poverty rates in tribal-dominated hill districts like Churachandpur exceed 40 per cent, while Imphal West records only around 17 per cent. Also, the Manipur State Economic Survey (2022-2023) further highlights that per capita income in valley districts is nearly double that of the hills. There are also resource distribution issues among the communities regarding the mountain, their exclusive land rights, and competition over scarce resources. Plus, the ethnic groups in Manipur tend to protect their cultural identity, often leading to resistance against integration. They are sentimental and quite attached to their culture, beliefs and religion. They perceive that the integration among the communities might threaten or lead to their degradation as a unique entity.
Many communities in Manipur have ethnic kin across the international border with Myanmar and even into Bangladesh:
1. Nagas are spread across Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar (especially the Sagaing region). Some Insurgent groups like NSCN-IM and NSCN-K maintain bases in Myanmar and operate across the India-Myanmar border. Their vision of a “Greater Nagalim” includes parts of Myanmar where Nagas live.
2. Kuki-Zomi are found in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and Chin State of Myanmar. They have strong cultural and familial ties across the Indian-Myanmar border. Several Kuki armed groups have their support network bases in Myanmar.
3. While the Meiteis have small diasporas in Myanmar, their cross-border affiliations are less significant than those of the Nagas and Kukis.
After becoming a full-fledged state in 1972, Manipur has often been centralised and mainly dominated by the Meitei political class. Meanwhile, the hill areas remained neglected regarding infrastructure, healthcare, education, and development projects. The feeling of political exclusion fueled ethnic grievances and demands for greater autonomy by the hill communities. There has also been a perception of state bias among the communities; the tribal often perceives the Manipur state government as working mainly for the Meiteis’ interest, while the Meiteis, in turn, view tribals as being ‘over-privileged’ due to central government grants and special constitutional protections (like Scheduled Tribe status).
The list of the ethnic conflict’s causal factors may continue, and one may lose count. However, what are we to do when the Britishers have rooted their policy of isolation and indirect rule in our soil in such a way that their imprints are still there even after their departure. Nobody or everyone is at fault in this blame game; nothing in between. Humans are greedy and their wants are limitless, but their greediness should not get in the way of the nation’s stability, or else it creates chaos.
However, isn’t it high time the government resolved the conflict for good? Yes, it might take years or decades to resolve, but someone needs to step up, or who knows if it will worsen. Manipur has had its power delimited to a bare minimum and rendered unable to keep its people under control. I hope she gets justice, rises again, and regains her former glory. As per my suggestion, what Manipur needs at the very moment is a mix of dialogue, justice, development and healing. No community should be made to feel left out or ignored.