This article is part of the UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis, covering The Hindu editorial – " Manipur’s Worsening Humanitarian Crisis," published on 20th February, by the best UPSC coaching in Kolkata.
Syllabus: UPSC General Studies Paper III (GS-III): Internal Security and border management.
The India-Myanmar borderlands have long been affected by armed conflict, displacement and humanitarian crises. However, the region remains data-deficient, making it difficult to assess the full extent of vulnerabilities. The Manipur conflict has further complicated data collection due to restricted access and adverse security conditions. As a result, misinformation and disinformation obscure the real picture of the crisis in Manipur.
The ethnic conflicts in Manipur stem from historical tensions among the Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zomi communities.
During the British era, the Kangleipak Kingdom, a British protectorate, faced Naga raids. Thus, the British introduced Kuki-Zomi tribes as a buffer. Post-independence, the Naga national movement of the 1950s heightened tensions. This was followed by the Kuki-Zomi movement for 'Kukiland,' which further divided the populations. The 1993 Naga-Kuki clashes led to significant violence and displacement. In response, Meitei nationalism grew due to concerns over shrinking traditional areas. Recent conflicts revolve around the demand for ST status by Meiteis and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue. It reflects deeper socio-political divides.
In recent years, violence in Manipur has intensified as multiple ethnic groups are clashing in various parts of the state. Some of the most affected areas include the hill districts (where there is a strong presence of Naga and Kuki ethnic groups) and the valley districts (where the majority Meitei community resides).
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of ethnic violence in Manipur.
These historical and contemporary factors collectively contribute to the recurring ethnic violence in Manipur.
The Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status has been a major flashpoint. The Kuki and Naga tribes oppose this move, fearing it would undermine their existing rights and privileges.
The Manipur High Court’s directive to the state government to consider the Meitei demand for ST status intensified ethnic tensions. The government's perceived bias towards Meiteis, particularly in land rights and resource allocation, further deepened divisions.
Perceived Developmental Disparities in ManipurMeiteis account for half of Manipur's population and extending ST quotas to them would mean they would get a share of education and government jobs reserved for Kukis and Nagas. Meiteis have traditionally lived in Manipur's more prosperous valley region that makes up 10% of the state's area. They have also had better access to employment and economic opportunities. Nagas and Kukis live in the poorly developed hill regions. The imbalance in development that has favoured the valley over the hills has been a point of contention and rivalry between the ethnic groups. |
Manipur has witnessed long-standing land disputes, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Recent government-led eviction drives, allegedly targeting Kuki settlements, have escalated tensions and fuelled violence.
The spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media has played a crucial role in fuelling violence. Fake news and inflammatory posts have further aggravated hostilities between the Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities.
In 2024, the violence led to 221 deaths, 60,000 displaced individuals, over 1,000 injuries and 32 missing persons. Additionally, 4,786 houses were burned and 386 religious structures were vandalized.
The conflict witnessed severe gender-based violence, including sexual assaults, forced stripping and burning of homes. A particularly shocking incident involved the gang-rape and public stripping of two Kuki women.
The violence has severely impacted infrastructure projects, with a significant 80% decline in exports of textiles, medicines and food. This economic stagnation has led to increased poverty and instability.
Ethnic strife has fractured intercommunity relations, leading to widespread displacement and deepening societal divisions.
The prolonged unrest has provided a breeding ground for militant groups, increasing extremist activities and security threats.
The instability in Manipur risks affecting India's relations with Myanmar, Bangladesh and China, especially concerning border security and refugee movements.
The ongoing violence may hinder India's Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with Southeast Asia by improving connectivity through the Northeast.
In 2023, Manipur accounted for 97% of South Asia’s total displacements, marking the highest displacement due to violence since 2018.
Recent estimates indicate that 58,000 individuals have been forcibly displaced, taking shelter in hundreds of relief camps across the Valley and Hill districts. Additionally, around 12,000 people fled to Mizoram and 7,000 sought refuge in Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya.
The forced displacement remains dynamic and data collection is fragmented. Official records account only for registered relief camp residents, leaving out those staying with relatives, in temporary shelters, or moving between multiple locations. Many who left Manipur for education, livelihood or medical reasons remain unaccounted for.
A critical challenge in the conflict has been the breakdown of accurate humanitarian information due to the separation of Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities. The conflict has altered health-care-seeking behavior, particularly in the Kuki-Zomi-dominated hill districts, where access to major hospitals in Imphal has been cut off. Patients from these areas are now forced to travel through Mizoram (for Churachandpur, Chandel and Tengnoupal) or Nagaland (for Kangpokpi) to receive treatment.
The displaced populations in Imphal Valley struggle with increasing out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, often leading to discontinuation of care. The health-care system in Manipur was already marked by disparities, but the conflict has exacerbated these issues.
A study by the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) found that 65.8% of displaced individuals suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 24.8% experience moderate anxiety and 15.2% have severe anxiety. The NEST Suicide Survey in Churachandpur recorded at least three suicides, including a 70-year-old displaced man who struggled with the loss of his livelihood.
Despite more than two years since the first relief camps were established, basic needs remain unmet:
Although violence has reduced in terms of casualties and direct conflict incidents, forced displacement remains a major issue. The humanitarian crisis in relief camps is worsening and requires urgent action. The following measures are needed:
The Manipur conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis with displacement, inadequate medical care and worsening living conditions creating long-term socio-economic challenges.The Manipur government should take quick steps to protect all communities, provide aid to affected people, restore internet access and work with local groups to bring peace. It should also help victims, especially those facing violence and take strict action against those responsible. The central government must support efforts to disarm violent groups and ensure justice. Security forces should follow rules on the use of force, using minimum power needed to control violence. Lethal force should be used only when absolutely necessary to save lives.Immediate intervention is required to ensure the dignity and survival of displaced communities, prevent further deterioration and facilitate a pathway to recovery and stability.
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PRACTICE QUESTIONS Q.Ethnic violence in Manipur has caused displacement, economic disruption and a humanitarian crisis. Analyze the causes and suggest solutions. (250 words) |
Tensions exist among Meiteis, Nagas and Kuki-Zomi communities. The British introduced Kuki-Zomi tribes as a buffer against Naga raids. Post-independence, the Naga insurgency (1950s), Kuki-Zomi demand for ‘Kukiland’ and 1993 Naga-Kuki clashes worsened divisions. Meitei nationalism grew over land and identity.
The Manipur High Court’s order to consider ST status for Meiteis intensified tensions. The government’s actions on land and resources fueled ethnic divisions.
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