MANIPUR'S UNFINISHED JOURNEY TO PEACE: A STATE IN CRISIS AFTER 77 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
OPINION & ANALYSIS
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum
Imphal: Even after 77 years of Indian Independence, Manipur, a state with a rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the nation, remains embroiled in turmoil. The current ethnic violence has displaced thousands, leaving children and families stranded in refugee camps, and raising a crucial question: should the nation not worry?
A Brief Historical Context
Manipur, once a sovereign princely state with a history extending into what is now Myanmar and Thailand, has long been a place of strategic importance and cultural richness. It joined the Indian Union in 1949 under contested circumstances, and since then, it has been marked by unrest, often driven by ethnic divisions, political misgovernance, and neglect from the central government.
The state's diversity is staggering for its size of 22,327 square kilometers. Manipur is home to 34 constitutionally recognized ethnic communities, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Despite its small population of about 3.26 million, Manipur has achieved remarkable feats, especially in the fields of sports, art, and culture.
Manipur: A Sporting Powerhouse
Manipur has earned a reputation as a sporting powerhouse of India, producing 19 Olympians, including two medal winners, both of whom are women. The most notable among them is MC Mary Kom, who became the first Indian female boxer to win an Olympic medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu further elevated the state’s stature by winning a silver medal in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Indian to win a medal on the opening day of the games. Chanu is currently in Paris Olympics and, in her words, “trying to get a gold medal for India.”
These achievements and commitments are not just individual successes but reflect the state's deep-rooted sporting culture. However, the contrast between these accolades and the ongoing strife in the state is stark.
Cultural Richness Amidst Crisis
Manipur's contributions extend beyond sports. The state is also a beacon of India's cultural heritage, renowned for its classical dance forms, vibrant performing arts, world-class theatre productions, and burgeoning film industry. The state's cultural expressions are sophisticated and have gained recognition both nationally and internationally. A Manipuri feature film, “Ishanou” by Aribam Syam Sharma was acknowledged as a world classic by its official selection at the 76th Cannes Film Festival 2023 in its Cannes Classics Section.
Yet, these cultural milestones exist alongside a landscape scarred by years of conflict. Misgovernance, ethnic strife, and a lack of adequate attention from the central government have left the state's communities divided and distrustful of one another.
Aftermath of the Ethnic VIolence in Imphal
The Roots of Conflict
The seeds of Manipur's current crisis were sown long before the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. For decades, the state has been a battleground for various armed groups, each with its own demands, ranging from greater autonomy within the Indian Union to complete sovereignty. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, in 2000, Manipur was home to over 35 armed militant groups, 18 of which were active throughout the year.
These groups have exploited the state's ethnic diversity, turning communities against each other in pursuit of their goals. The most recent violence between the Chin-Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities is the latest manifestation of these tensions.
The Chin-Kuki-Zo community's long-standing demand for a separate administrative unit, either as a Union Territory or a State, has been a significant factor in the ongoing violence. This demand is rooted in their desire for greater autonomy and security, driven by fears of losing their land and identity. This demand has also been fuelled by the presence of armed groups within the community, many of whom have been under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government since 2008.
The Complicating Factor of Illegal Immigration
Adding to the complexity of Manipur's situation is the issue of illegal immigration from Myanmar. The porous border between Manipur and Myanmar has allowed a significant influx of immigrants, primarily from the Chin-Kuki-Zo ethnic group, which shares cultural and ethnic ties with communities in Manipur.
This influx has created demographic pressures in the region, exacerbating tensions over land and resources. Indigenous communities in Manipur, particularly the Meiteis, have expressed concerns about the changing demographics and the impact on their cultural and economic landscape. The arrival of these immigrants has heightened fears of encroachment on indigenous lands, leading to calls for stronger border controls and measures to protect the rights of native populations. Civil society organizations in Manipur have been vocal in their demands for safeguarding the state's territorial integrity. They have called for the implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Such a registry, they argue, is essential to preserving the demographic balance and protecting the rights of indigenous communities.
The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing political and social turmoil in Myanmar, which has driven many to seek refuge in neighbouring regions, including Mizoram and Manipur. While these refugees are fleeing violence and persecution, their presence has intensified existing ethnic conflicts within Manipur, contributing to the cycle of violence and displacement.
In response to these challenges, the central government has undertaken several measures to address the issue of illegal immigration. The Ministry of Home Affairs has given a directive to capture the biometrics of all illegal immigrants or refugees from Myanmar to create a reliable database that could be used to monitor and manage the situation more effectively. Alternative plans are afoot to fence the 390 km, porous international border between Manipur and Myanmar, aiming to curb the unchecked movement of people. Furthermore, the government has suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows tribes living along the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 kilometers across either side without a visa. There is a growing concern that this policy while facilitating traditional cross-border ties, has been exploited for illegal immigration and smuggling activities.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The current violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 226 people and has displaced over 50,000, forcing them into makeshift relief camps. These camps, where children are growing up amidst the trauma of displacement, are a stark reminder of the state's unresolved issues. The violence has not only claimed lives but has also deepened the existing rifts between communities, making reconciliation even more difficult.
Despite the horrific scale of the crisis, the response from the central government has been criticized as inadequate and sluggish. The Indian government's apparent reluctance to engage proactively with the situation has allowed the conflict to fester, leading to more violence and displacement.
IDP line up for food at a Relief Camp in Moirang
Global Misconceptions and Local Realities
The Western media and governments have often portrayed the violence in Manipur as religious persecution, framing it within a broader narrative of religious intolerance in India. However, this perspective oversimplifies the situation and fails to capture the complex socio-political dynamics at play.
The reality is that the conflict in Manipur is driven by a mix of factors, including competition over land, identity, political power, and illegal immigration.
The Chin-Kuki-Zo community's demands are linked to broader regional issues, including the desire for an independent country for the transnational Chin-Kuki-Zo population, which spans across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
The region's proximity to the Golden Triangle, one of the world's largest drug-producing areas, has also played a role in the violence. The illicit drug trade has fuelled the conflict, providing resources for armed groups and exacerbating tensions between communities.
Biometric capturing of identified refugees from Myanmar at Sajiwa Jail Imphal
A Call for National Attention
Manipur's contributions to India's heritage, particularly in sports and culture, are a source of pride for the nation. Yet, these achievements stand in stark contrast to the violence and instability that have plagued the state for decades. The ongoing crisis in Manipur is not just a regional issue but a national one, reflecting the broader challenges of governance, development, and national integration.
The situation in Manipur requires urgent attention from the Indian government and civil society. The state needs a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including political misgovernance, economic underdevelopment, ethnic tensions, and the challenge of illegal immigration. This strategy must also include measures to promote reconciliation between communities, ensuring that the state's diverse population can coexist peacefully.
Moreover, there needs to be a concerted effort to provide relief and rehabilitation to those affected by the violence. The conditions in the refugee camps are dire, and without adequate support, the displaced populations will continue to suffer, potentially sowing the seeds for future conflicts.
Conclusion: The Need for a National Conversation
Manipur's journey to peace is far from complete. The state's complex history, ethnic diversity, and strategic importance make it a microcosm of the broader challenges facing India as a whole. The ongoing violence is a reminder that despite 77 years of independence, there are still regions within the country where peace remains elusive.
As Manipur struggles with its current crisis, it is imperative that the nation takes notice. The state's contributions to India's cultural and sporting heritage deserve recognition, but so too do the challenges it faces. Only through a concerted national effort can Manipur hope to achieve the peace and stability it so desperately needs.
The question remains: will the nation rise to the challenge and help Manipur find its way to peace, or will it continue to overlook the plight of this small but significant part of India? The answer will shape the future not just of Manipur, but of the nation as a whole.