Ethnic cleansing? Manipur CM's 'statement' further complicates Kuki-Meitei relations

By Rupa Mehra*

In a recent display of solidarity, hundreds of protesters from the Kuki ethnic group gathered in Manipur to voice their outrage against longstanding racial violence and the government’s persistent silence on the issue. They urged the authorities to pass legislation aligned with Article 239A of the Indian Constitution, which pertains to Union Territories. 

Whether the Manipur government will heed this demand remains uncertain, but some experts suggest that more decisive measures may be necessary for meaningful change. 

The longstanding discord between the Kukis and the Meitis presents a complex challenge that has yet to see resolution. Manipur, located in Northeast India, is home to several ethnic groups, including the Hindu Meitei community predominantly found in the Imphal valley, and the mainly Christian Naga and Kuki populations residing in the hills. 

The region’s history of ethnic conflict traces back to British colonial policies of “divide and rule” that exacerbated tensions among various communities. Post-independence, subsequent Indian governments have largely overlooked the issues plaguing the Northeast. 

Since the late 1990s, Manipur has been led solely by Meitei chief ministers, igniting feelings of marginalization among the Kukis who believe their representation in the political arena is lacking. Additionally, many minorities in Manipur contend that government funding and developmental initiatives are disproportionately focused on the Meitei-majority valley. 

Concerns surrounding illegal migration and demographic shifts have further fueled tensions between the communities. The 2011 Census revealed a higher population growth rate in the hills than in the valley, prompting fears of illegal immigration from neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh. 

This has heightened fears of Meitei marginalization amid a growing presence of non-indigenous populations, complicating the already intricate ethnic landscape in Manipur. 

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to address the ongoing crisis and take action. 

In 2023, violent clashes erupted between the Kuki and Meitei communities, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. Despite the severity of the situation, the government remained largely unresponsive for several months, with Prime Minster Narendra Modi only speaking out after Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud pressed for intervention. 

Since the violence erupted in May 2022, over 200 lives have been lost. 

In July 2024, Gandhi reiterated his request for Modi to visit the violence-affected regions to gain firsthand understanding and empathize with the victims. 

Amid claims of intervention from the government, critics argue that fundamental issues remain unaddressed. In July 2024, a leaked audio of Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh sparked controversy as he seemingly spoke of “ethnic cleansing” and “saving Meitei civilization.” 

His statements have been viewed as provocative, further complicating the already fraught relations between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Kuki representatives have filed reports expressing that “Manipur cannot tolerate personal racial discrimination,” indicating the deep-rooted grievances that persist. 

As the conflict continues unabated, it is clear that the Kuki community's demands for recognition and action must be earnestly considered if peace and development in the region are to be achieved. 

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*Graduate of the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of Social Sciences, specializes in issues related to social activism, race, and women's rights