Ethnic tension in Manipur: Need for tripartite meeting of Meitei, Kuki and Naga representatives

By Dut Singh* 

On May 3, 2023, the Indian government announced its intention to grant the Meitei community "Scheduled Tribe" status. This designation provides access to certain government positions, university admissions, national welfare programs, and special rights. 

However, this decision sparked discontent among Christian-dominated Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur, who viewed it as a threat to their own rights and opportunities. Protests organized by the Naga and Kuki escalated into violent clashes, leading to ongoing hostilities between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The situation further deteriorated on November 11, 2024, when suspected Kuki militants attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post near the Jiribam police station. Security forces claimed to have neutralized 10 Kuki militants during the assault, but the militants also abducted three women and three children. 

The Kuki group refuted the security forces’ claims, alleging that the deceased were Kuki volunteers murdered by the CRPF. They demanded the withdrawal of the CRPF from the area and its replacement with the Assam Rifles. Meanwhile, various non-governmental organizations condemned the militants’ actions, called for stringent measures against insurgent groups, and urged the government to designate these groups as illegal organizations.

On November 16, six hostages kidnapped by the militants were brutally murdered, igniting widespread outrage and protests. In response, angry crowds attacked the residences of 13 Members of Parliament, including a cabinet minister, demanding justice for the victims. 

Political parties, including Congress and the National People’s Party (NPP), expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Manipur government. The NPP went as far as withdrawing its support for the National Democratic Alliance, while the World Meitei Council demanded changes in the state’s leadership.

In an attempt to restore order, the central government reinstated the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in unrest-affected areas, including Sekmai, Lamsang, Lamlai, Jiribam, Leimakhong, and Moirang. Over 7,000 personnel from 70 Central Armed Police Force companies were deployed to these regions. Despite these measures, the local situation remains dire, with entrenched ethnic tensions and violence persisting.

To achieve lasting peace in Manipur, reliance on military intervention alone is insufficient. The central and state governments must prioritize dialogue and reconciliation. Convening a tripartite meeting with representatives from the Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities could pave the way for meaningful discussions. Political leaders and community representatives must work together to promote peace and calm, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable solution to the long-standing ethnic conflict in the region.

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*All Manipur Students’ Union