The ongoing violence between the Kuki-Zomi tribals and the largely Hindu Meiteis in Manipur has brought attention to the long-standing ethnic tensions in the state. This is the first time in three decades that the state has witnessed direct clashes between two ethnic groups. Understanding the cultural geography and history of Manipur can provide context to the current conflict.
Cultural Geography of Manipur
The Manipur valley is surrounded by low hills that spread into Nagaland and Mizoram. In these hill areas, live 15 Naga tribes and the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi group, which includes the Kuki, Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei, and Zou peoples. The British political agent in Manipur brought the Kuki-Zomi from the Kuki-Chin hills of Burma to protect the valley from plunder by acting as a buffer between the Meiteis and the Nagas. The Kukis were fierce headhunting warriors, like the Nagas, and the Maharaja gave them land along the ridges, where they could act as a shield for the Imphal valley below.
Kuki-Meitei Divide
Ethnic tensions between the hill communities and the Meiteis have existed from the time of the erstwhile kingdom. But it escalated with the advent of the Naga national movement in the 1950s and the call for an independent Naga nation. The Naga insurgency was countered by the rise of insurgent groups among the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi.
The Kuki-Zomi groups began to militarize, and the Kukis launched their own movement for ‘Kukiland’. Unlike the Naga movement, however, the Kuki-Zomi demand was for a state within India, not a separate national homeland. Even though the Kukis had started out as protectors of the Meitei people, the Kukiland demand created a rift between the communities. Many Kukis fled to Churachandpur, a district dominated by the Kuki-Zomi people.
Meitei Fears
The Meiteis fear that the reservation for STs in jobs in a state where the government is the largest employer amounts to an unfair advantage. While tribals can buy land in the valley, Meiteis are prohibited from buying land in the hills.
The conflict between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities has resulted in violence, displacement, and loss of lives. To address the issue, it is necessary to look at the root causes of the conflict.
Historical Context
The conflict between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities has its roots in the history of the region. The Kukis were brought to the region by the British to act as a buffer between the Meiteis and the Nagas. Over time, however, the Kukis started asserting their identity and demands for a separate state within India. This created a rift between the Kukis and Meiteis, who had once lived in harmony.
Resolving the Conflict
To resolve the conflict, it is necessary to address the grievances of both communities. The Meiteis’ fears about job reservations and land ownership must be addressed, and steps must be taken to ensure that they do not feel discriminated against. The Kukis’ demand for a separate state must also be addressed, and the government must work towards finding a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved.
Important Points:
🌎 Context: Ongoing violence between Kuki-Zomi tribals and largely Hindu Meiteis in Manipur is the first time in three decades that the state has witnessed direct clashes between two ethnic groups.
🗺️ Cultural geography: Manipur valley is surrounded by hills where 15 Naga tribes and Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi group live, including the Kuki, Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei and Zou peoples.
🛡️ Kuki-Zomi as protectors: British political agent brought Kuki-Zomi from Kuki-Chin hills of Burma to protect the valley from plunder by acting as a buffer between Meiteis and Nagas.
🗡️ Kuki-Meitei divide: Ethnic tensions between hill communities and Meiteis have existed since the time of erstwhile kingdom, but it escalated with the advent of Naga national movement in the 1950s and call for an independent Naga nation.
🔫 Rise of insurgent groups: Naga insurgency was countered by rise of insurgent groups among Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi, and the Kukis launched their own movement for ‘Kukiland.’
🛡️ Rift between communities: Even though the Kukis had started out as protectors of the Meitei people, the Kukiland demand created a rift between the communities.
👥 Many Kukis fled: Many Kukis fled to Churachandpur, a district dominated by Kuki-Zomi people.
💼 Meitei fears: Meiteis contend that in a state where the government is the largest employer, reservation for STs in jobs amounts to an unfair advantage, while tribals can buy land in the valley, Meiteis are prohibited from buying land in the hills.
Why In News
Manipur is currently experiencing direct clashes between the Kuki-Zomi tribals and the largely Hindu Meiteis, marking the first instance of such ethnic violence in three decades
MCQs about Kuki-Zomi tribals in Manipur
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What is the reason behind the Kuki-Zomi people being brought to Manipur?
A. To protect the valley from raids by Naga tribes
B. To fight against the Meitei people
C. To create a separate national homeland
D. To demand a separate state for Kukis within India
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What is the Kuki-Zomi demand?
A. A separate national homeland
B. To fight against the Meitei people
C. To create a separate state for Kukis within India
D. To merge with Nagaland
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What is the reason behind Meitei’s fear?
A. Reservation for STs in jobs
B. The prohibition on Meiteis from buying land in the hills
C. The rise of insurgent groups among the Meiteis
D. The Naga insurgency
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Which ethnic group was responsible for repeatedly raiding the Kangleipak kingdom?
A. Kuki-Zomi
B. Meitei
C. Naga
D. Thadou
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