In May 2023, violent protests and clashes erupted in Manipur after the Manipur High Court directed the State Government to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community based on a 10-year-old recommendation. This essay examines the unfolding events in Manipur and the relevance of this incident to the IAS exam. The geographical features and location of Manipur play a significant role in the issues faced by the state.
Geographical Features of Manipur:
- Manipur has 16 districts, divided into “valley” and “hill” districts.
- The Imphal Valley, which accounts for about 10% of the landmass, is surrounded by hills.
- Four highways act as access points to the valley, with two considered the lifelines for the state.
- The valley is dominated by the non-tribal Meitei community, comprising over 64% of the population and holding 40 out of 60 MLAs.
- The hills, comprising around 90% of the state’s area, are inhabited by about 35% recognized tribes, but only represented by 20 MLAs.
Background of Meitei Community:
- The Meitei community is the majority population in Manipur, practicing Hinduism and Islam.
- The 33 recognized tribes, mainly Christians, include “Any Naga tribes” and “Any Kuki tribes.”
- The valley districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal East, and Imphal West were part of the erstwhile kingdom of Kangleipak, ruled by the Ningthouja dynasty.
- The kingdom faced attacks from Naga tribes, leading the British political agent to bring Kuki-Zomi from Burma as a buffer territory.
Meitei Community’s Demand for ST Status:
- The Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) has been advocating for ST status for the Meitei community since 2012.
- The Meitei Tribe Union filed a petition arguing for the restoration of their tribal status, lost after the merger with India.
- They believe ST status is necessary to protect their ancestral land, tradition, culture, language, and identity.
- The Meitei community claims marginalization and a decrease in population from 59% in 1951 to 44% in 2011.
Manipur High Court’s Judgement:
- On April 19, 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to submit a 10-year-old recommendation to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for Meitei community’s inclusion in the ST list.
- The court referred to the Union Tribal Ministry’s letter in 2013, requesting recommendations and socio-economic surveys.
- Other tribal groups opposed this decision, citing demographic and political advantages already enjoyed by the Meitei community.
Recent Unrest and Opposition:
- The All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) organized a “Tribal Solidarity March” against the demand for ST status for Meitei community.
- Violent clashes broke out during the march, leading to the deployment of Indian Army and shoot-at-sight orders by the government.
- The divide between Meiteis and tribes, concerns over eviction drives, the refugee crisis from Myanmar, and the delimitation process have aggravated tensions.
- Pro-government groups believe some tribal groups are obstructing the government’s anti-drug efforts.
Supreme Court’s Perspective on Manipur Crisis:
- The Supreme Court has acknowledged the Manipur crisis as a “humanitarian problem,” expressing concerns over the loss of life and property.
- It clarified that the power to designate a community as Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe lies with the President, not the High Court.
- The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has urged the Centre and Manipur government to take necessary actions to safeguard the people.
Centre’s Response to the Manipur Crisis:
- The Union Home Minister stated that the order issued by the Manipur High Court will be carefully examined and discussed with all stakeholders.
- Decisions will be made after thorough consultation and deliberation.
- The Indian Army has deployed Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and helicopters to enhance surveillance in Manipur and along the Indo-Myanmar Border.
Important Points:
- Violent protests and clashes erupt in Manipur ⚠️
- Manipur High Court directs State Government to grant ST status to Meitei community 🏛️
- Geographical division: valley and hill districts 🗺️
- Meitei community dominates the valley, recognized tribes inhabit the hills 👥
- Meitei community demands ST status since 2012 🗣️
- Manipur High Court orders submission of 10-year-old recommendation to Union Tribal Affairs Ministry 📜
- Opposition from other tribal groups to Meitei community’s ST status demand 🚫
- Recent unrest leads to the deployment of Indian Army and shoot-at-sight orders 🔫
- Divide between Meiteis and tribes exacerbates tensions ⚔️
- Concerns over eviction drives, delimitation process, and refugee crisis from Myanmar 🏘️
- Supreme Court views Manipur crisis as a humanitarian problem 💔
- Central government to study High Court’s order and consult stakeholders 📚
- Indian Army increases surveillance with UAVs and helicopters 🚁
Why In News
In May 2023, Manipur witnessed a surge of violent protests and clashes when the Manipur High Court issued a directive to the State Government, ordering the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community based on a decade-old recommendation. This essay provides an account of the ongoing events in Manipur and highlights the significance of this incident in the context of the IAS exam, covering pertinent topics such as reservations, ST status, and the implementation of shoot-at-sight orders.
MCQs about Violent Protests and Clashes in Manipu
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What was the cause of the violent protests and clashes in Manipur in May 2023?
A. Supreme Court’s intervention in land disputes
B. Manipur High Court’s order on ST status for Meitei community
C. Local elections for the Legislative Assembly
D. Indian Army’s presence in Manipur
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Which geographical region in Manipur accounts for the majority of the state’s landmass?
A. Hill districts
B. Valley districts
C. Imphal city
D. Churachandpur district
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Why do some tribal groups oppose the demand for ST status for the Meitei community?
A. Fear of losing political advantages
B. Concerns over the delimitation process
C. Disapproval of the Manipur High Court’s jurisdiction
D. Apprehension of losing employment opportunities and land rights
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What is the Supreme Court’s view on the Manipur crisis?
A. It considers it a law and order issue.
B. It emphasizes the need for constitutional amendments.
C. It views it as a humanitarian problem.
D. It suggests a military intervention.
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