• Terms of Use
  • Article Submission
  • Premium Content
  • Editorial Board
Thursday, July 17, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
Cart / ₹0

No products in the cart.

Subscribe
Mahabahu.com
  • Home
  • News & Opinions
  • Literature
  • Mahabahu Magazine
    • December 2023 – Vol-I
    • December 2023 – Vol-II
    • November 2023 – Vol-I
    • November 2023 – Vol-II
    • October 2023 – Vol-I
    • October 2023 – Vol-II
    • September 2023 – Vol-I
    • September 2023 – Vol-II
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Mahabahu Books
    • Read Online
    • Free Downloads
  • E-Store
  • Home
  • News & Opinions
  • Literature
  • Mahabahu Magazine
    • December 2023 – Vol-I
    • December 2023 – Vol-II
    • November 2023 – Vol-I
    • November 2023 – Vol-II
    • October 2023 – Vol-I
    • October 2023 – Vol-II
    • September 2023 – Vol-I
    • September 2023 – Vol-II
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Mahabahu Books
    • Read Online
    • Free Downloads
  • E-Store
No Result
View All Result
Mahabahu.com
Home News Politics

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

KAKALI DAS

by Anjan Sarma
July 10, 2023
in Politics, National, Opinion, Special Report
Reading Time: 14 mins read
0
MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

KAKALI DAS

Passport
KAKALI DAS

Some members of IT cell will be shocked to know that Manipur is a part of India, and one can reach there sooner than the US or Egypt.

Recent incidents in Manipur have garnered international headlines.

Observers say that there is a division in the state between Meitei and Kuki communities. Over 100 people have died, thousands of homes burned, including MLA’s, displacing 50,000 people who are now in refugee camps, trying to survive. Manipur is on the brink of civil war.

Automatic rifles seized in thousands, and the situation is not under control despite presence of all forces. In fact, the army is saying that they cannot operate under the existing conditions. Olympic winner Mary Kom wrote, ‘my state is burning’. But Modi ji does not listen to medallists nowadays.

PM Modi has been silent over the crisis for two months, despite being active on social media – not a single message or tweet so far. People of the state waited for Mann Ki Baat, with the thought that may be Modi ji will say something in favour of Manipur, but when there was no mention, people protested.

RelatedPosts

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood

July 16, 2025
বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

July 16, 2025
World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

July 15, 2025

People from the Meitei and Kuki community do not agree on any aspect, but there is one thing they do agree upon – that Modi ji, central government and general public of India does not care for Manipur.

What is happening in Manipur?

What is the deep-rooted reason?

Complete failure of Biren Singh government. How this double-engine government derailed?

Is normalcy possible?

“PM Modi has been silent over the crisis for two months, despite being active on social media – not a single message or tweet so far. People of the state waited for Mann Ki Baat, with the thought that may be Modi ji will say something in favour of Manipur, but when there was no mention, people protested.”

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

Mapping the Manipur Divide

Before we understand the issue, we must know the geography, demography and history of the state. Take a look at the map of Manipur – it is clear that the state is in extreme northeast, sharing a border with Myanmar. From the physical map, two distinct geographical features are clear – the valley in the middle and the surrounding mountains.

Imphal valley in the middle covers only 10%, while the hills constitute 90% of the state. The major cause of division is this geography. The population density in the valley is more, as almost 60% people live there. The area of hills is 90%, but the number of population is only nearly 40% of the state – this division or difference between the valley and the hill is the cause of conflict in the state.

The facilities of clean drinking water, cooking fuel, healthcare, good nutrition, opportunities are all in the Imphal valley. In fact, the tourism industry is also limited to the Imphal valley. 

It is no surprise that there is economic disparity. Most agriculture is done in the valley as the ground is fertile, so more production and hence more population density in the valley. But this geographical and economic divide is leading to social divide which can escalate and create social tension if the government does not focus in it.

Among the population, 60% population is Meitei and 40% is Kuki and Naga. 90-95% Meitei are living in the valley region and 90-95% Kuki and Naga are in the hills. So, the Meitei community has better facilities and opportunities, and more political power because of majority population share. Of 60 seats in assembly, 40 seats are held by Meitei community.

But, why is this demographic distribution?

“Modi is not able to chair at least one meeting in Manipur yet. After returning from the trip, he went to Bhopal and attended the program on Mera Booth Sabse Majboot for hours – but no sound byte on Manipur as of now. May be, it is the fear that if he gets openly involved and the situation worsens, then his good image will be tarnished. That is why, no statement, no president rule.”

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

A Brief History of Manipur

Thousands of years ago, the Meitei community migrated from north Myanmar and settled in the Imphal valley, and ruled there for many centuries – they first followed their own indigenous religion, Sanamahi. And in 1730s, they converted to Hinduism when the king of Manipur himself became Hindu.

In early 1800s, Burma invaded Manipur and then the British made Manipur part of their empire. In 1949, Manipur became a union territory of India as the Maharaja signed an agreement. However, it is said that the king did not take permission from Manipur’s legislative council and thus began separatist militant movement in Manipur. Historically speaking, all communities in Manipur have been a part of separatist movement.

One thing is clear from this short history – the strong political influence of Meitei community in the Imphal valley. Meitei community also attempted to extend their control over the hills. That is the cause of conflict between the two communities, therefore it is an age old conflict.

Who are these hill based tribes in Manipur? There are 33 tribes recognised in Manipur. All these tribes are broadly divided into two groups – Naga and Kuki-Zomi-Mizo-Chin. (I will refer to the latter as Kuki community in the later part of the article.)

The Naga tribes live in the north hills and Kuki tribes live in the south – both have been historically semi nomadic communities – they are not only settlers who create villages but also make use of slash and burn cultivation. Both the communities converted to Christianity nearly 150 years ago and consider the hills as their home.

Although the Naga and Kuki communities also clashed in the past, but both agree on Meitei’s dominance.  On the other hand, Meitei believe that their presence and influence are declining – this is the basis of clash.

“What is Centre’s reaction at times of crisis? The campaigning of BJP is vocal and loud during elections. Modi ji even said that there will be development and stability if their government formed. But when it was time to prove his ground, Modi was busy travelling the world.”

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

Who started the fire?

Meitei are saying that they are becoming minorities in their own state and their land is being taken away slowly. The argument of Meitei is that the Kuki and Naga tribes have scheduled tribe status which Meitei don’t, and which is why they cannot freely buy land in the hill districts, but anyone can easily come and settle in the Imphal valley. That is why, Meitei say that they may even lose 10% area of their land.

It is also said that the illegal Kuki immigrants from Myanmar are entering and demography of the state is changing. Moreover, the immigrants are settling in reserve forests and cultivating poppy, so Meitei believes action must be taken.

Meitei wants to save their tradition, culture and language, otherwise they will become the minority – some of these groups have even demanded ST status in the Manipur high court, which if granted, would give Meitei the right to buy land in the hills and settle.

A shocking judgement is made by the single judge bench – Justice MV Muralidaran gave notice to the Centre and Manipur govt. on review petition, ruling in favour of the Meitei. Question is, was Justice Muralidaran in the position to make that decision? The Supreme Court criticised Manipur HC’s order and it is not their jurisdiction to demand changes in ST list. But this one mistake by the High Court fuels the fire between the two groups.

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?
People from Manipur raise slogans during a protest over the ongoing violence in the state, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Monday, June 19, 2023. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)

Kuki majority town Churachandpur is where protests started – they said Meitei already have all the facilities and political control as well (majority seats in the assembly). And that, all except 2 CMs belonged to Meitei; Meitei language is recognized in the 8th schedule. What does Kuki have except hills? If Meitei get ST status, they will grab the hills too. These have all been the concerns of the Kuki community for decades now.

The protests in Churachandpur turned violent and conditions in Manipur became worse day by day as both communities clashed. In the last two months, you must know how violent the crashes have been in the state. There is an environment of pain, anger and fear in Manipur. Meitei living in the hills returned to the valley region and Kuki living in the valley went back to the hills – a partition in the state.

“A question on the union government is also raised – What did they do when this kind of polarization happened under their government? Where was Moshah’s so-called ‘Chanakya Neeti’? Or was this polarization happening as per plan? It happened before in the other states, but it backfired in Manipur.”

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

Biren Singh govt. fails

How did the situation get out of hand? One question is – what is the Naga group doing amid all this controversy? They were not involved in the violence, though they also don’t want ST status for Meitei. Because what is happening in Manipur is Meitei VS Kuki polarization and not just valley VS hill. It is also because there is perception in the Meitei that Kuki are outsiders who entered from Myanmar.

The BJP Biren Singh govt. also played a role in worsening the situation. It is not that the issues raised by Meitei are not genuine but they need to be handled with sensitivity. Kuki community says that CM Biren Singh is running Meitei majoritarian govt. and Kukis are persecuted.

There are three major issues in the state – reserve forests, immigration and poppy cultivation.
  1. Reserve Forests – Kuki says that they are being pushed away in the name of reserved forests. In February this year, a whole Kuki village was destroyed in the town of Churachandpur – in the name of forest protection.
  2. Illegal Poppy Plantations – To prevent illegal poppy plantation, Biren Singh govt. took control of lands in hill district. CM accused Kuki groups of narco-terrorism – that these communities make money off poppy plants. It is true that poppy plantation is happening and there is a drug trade system at India Myanmar border. But to deal with it, a holistic social economic solution is needed – targeting one community won’t help – it will only increase tension between the two groups.  
  3. Immigration – Biren Singh said that many illegal immigrants are entering from Myanmar so an NRC type verification drive is needed to be done. And as per the sources, the focus is now on verification drive to be taken up in five districts, including Chandel, Churachanpur, Tengnoupal, Kamjong and Pherzawl for identifying illegal immigrants.

Yes, people in the Kuki community migrated from Myanmar, but it is worth noting that Kuki tribes have always been migrating from before there was India or Myanmar border.

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

Migration has also increased because of civil war in Myanmar – people are taking shelter in North Eastern states. For ex – Mizoram gave shelter to 40,000 refugees and Mizoram home minister proudly said that they will provide humanitarian aid. Just because someone drew international border, does not mean they won’t shelter their brothers and sisters.

Even though the Manipur state govt. did not make such an announcement, the Kuki community gave shelter to the refugees. They say that they are not illegal – our brothers and sisters who are escaping from war torn areas. The Biren Singh government did not understand that ethnic ties are more important to Kukis than international boundaries.

If situation was getting complex, then government should have done a consensus and found a long term social economic solution. The government only represented Meitei perspective and things worsened. A clear perception was formed that the government was against the Kukis and considered them encroachers, drug traders.

MANIPUR – When will the state stop burning?

Modi-Shah’s Biggest Failure

A question on the union government is also raised – What did they do when this kind of polarization happened under their government? Where was Moshah’s so-called ‘Chanakya Neeti’? Or was this polarization happening as per plan? It happened before in the other states, but it backfired in Manipur.

Why isn’t there president’s rule in Manipur yet? Everyone is demanding for the president’s rule in Manipur so that it shows to people that the govt. is serious – but this basic step was not taken yet. What is Centre’s long term plan? What is the alternative policy of poppy cultivation? Can refugees from Manipur be given space under some policy? We are an expert in insider outsider politics, but what happens when it comes to finding comprehensive sensitive solution?

What is Centre’s reaction at times of crisis? The campaigning of BJP is vocal and loud during elections. Modi ji even said that there will be development and stability if their government formed. But when it was time to prove his ground, Modi was busy travelling the world.

Modi1

Modi is not able to chair at least one meeting in Manipur yet. After returning from the trip, he went to Bhopal and attended the program on Mera Booth Sabse Majboot for hours – but no sound byte on Manipur as of now. May be, it is the fear that if he gets openly involved and the situation worsens, then his good image will be tarnished. That is why, no statement, no president rule.

Why is it not apparent that the PM cares for this state? Or may be, it does not matter to him at all – as LS seats in Manipur are merely two. But this is not about the 2 seats – this is about 1000s of stolen automatic rifles and 50,000 displaced people. It is said that after Amit Shah’s all party meeting, some peace will prevail – he told CM Biren Singh to maintain peace in Imphal valley and that troops will be deployed in the Hill districts.

But, merely sending army to the place doesn’t solve a thing, because many groups are not co-operating with the army – like women protesters’ block up of an army convoy recently. Army is also helpless in the region and releasing statements, appealing to all sections of society to cooperate with the security forces working day and night to bring peace and stability in Manipur.

These all indicates that without political solution, any peace keeping operation will not succeed – forceful measures may not work.

Modi Biren singh

Can peace prevail?

Those who died can’t return but 50,000 displaced can return to their homes – political will is needed.

The solutions –

  • Finger pointing should be stopped – Every community has different opinions and values, but framing and blaming one community will worsen the case. Only factual reporting should be done – no exaggeration, and please don’t turn this into Hindu Christian issue.
  • Constant Meeting and Dialogue – PM Modi has to chair all party meeting in Manipur and address people, as is done when asking for votes.
  • Remove Biren Singh as CM – An agreeable political solution can be reached after discussion, but if Kuki community demands ouster of CM Biren Singh, then kindly do consider it. Thinking too much before removing a leader won’t work.

Kuki groups say that separation is the only way of peace – valley and hills are interlinked economically – whatever the solution both communities should be able to prosper.

Lastly, the so called people from mainland India should introspect. We were focusing on Karnataka elections, Adipurush, etc. for months – but what about Manipur? We should develop empathy for fellow citizens and put pressure on the central government too – this article is a timid attempt in that direction.

The question is also on media – as they rarely cover northeast. But, when people will be interested to know, media obviously will cover too.

Images from different sources

04-07-2023

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking.  You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary)

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

Like this:

Like Loading...
Anjan Sarma

Anjan Sarma

Related Posts

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood
Climate Change

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood

by Kakali Das
July 16, 2025
0

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood Kakali Das Kakali Das Close your eyes for a...

Read moreDetails
বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

July 16, 2025
World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

July 15, 2025
Air India Flight AI171 Crashes near Ahmedabad with 242 Onboard

Air India Flight Crash: Preliminary Report Reveals Fuel Shutdown in Both Engines

July 15, 2025
The World Is Suffering From A Human Rights And Moral Crisis

The World Is Suffering From A Human Rights And Moral Crisis

July 13, 2025
aerial photography of water beside forest during golden hour

Women Economic Forum for Mediterranean 2025: empowering change from Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

July 13, 2025
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
জ্যোতি সঙ্গীত – প্ৰথম খণ্ড

জ্যোতি প্ৰসাদ আগৰৱালাৰ কবিতা

August 7, 2021
অসমীয়া জনজাতীয় সংস্কৃতিঃ সমন্বয় আৰু সমাহৰণ

অসমীয়া জনজাতীয় সংস্কৃতিঃ সমন্বয় আৰু সমাহৰণ

November 19, 2024
আলাবৈ ৰণ: শৰাইঘাটৰ যুদ্ধৰ পটভূমিত

 লাচিত : শৰাইঘাটৰ যুদ্ধ আৰু ইয়াৰ ঐতিহাসিক তাৎপৰ্য

November 24, 2024
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF ASSAM

FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF ASSAM

August 15, 2024
man in black shirt standing on top of mountain drinking coffee

মোৰ হিমালয় ভ্ৰমণৰ অভিজ্ঞতা

0
crop businessman giving contract to woman to sign

Loan Waivers : LOOKING BACK@ 2015

0
What is the Burqa and is it mandatory for all Muslim women to wear it?

What is the Burqa and is it mandatory for all Muslim women to wear it?

0
person in black tank top

বৃক্ক বিকলতা বা কিডনি ফেইলৰ

0
When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood

When Summers Stopped Being Fun: How Climate Change Stole Our Childhood

July 16, 2025
বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

বিৱর্তনৰ ধামখুমীয়াত বিয়া

July 16, 2025
Sikhna Jwhwlao Puts Assam Second in Protected Areas Race

Sikhna Jwhwlao Puts Assam Second in Protected Areas Race

July 16, 2025
World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

World War III: Could Water Be the Spark?

July 15, 2025

Popular Stories

  • জ্যোতি সঙ্গীত – প্ৰথম খণ্ড

    জ্যোতি প্ৰসাদ আগৰৱালাৰ কবিতা

    12805 shares
    Share 5122 Tweet 3201
  • Sikhna Jwhwlao Puts Assam Second in Protected Areas Race

    597 shares
    Share 239 Tweet 149
  • শ্ৰীমন্ত শংকৰদেৱৰ সাহিত্যৰাজি

    1625 shares
    Share 650 Tweet 406
  • ইতিহাস প্ৰসিদ্ধ কামাখ্যা মন্দিৰ আৰু অম্বুবাচী মেলা

    1283 shares
    Share 513 Tweet 321
  • ড্ৰাগছ : এক সামাজিক ব্যাধি

    3232 shares
    Share 1293 Tweet 808
  •  লাচিত : শৰাইঘাটৰ যুদ্ধ আৰু ইয়াৰ ঐতিহাসিক তাৎপৰ্য

    5676 shares
    Share 2270 Tweet 1419
  • জ্যোতিপ্ৰসাদৰ সাংস্কৃতিক,সাহিত্যিক আৰু ৰাজনৈতিক অৱদানসমূহ

    2264 shares
    Share 906 Tweet 566
  • বিষ্ণু ৰাভাৰ কেইটিমান অমৰ সৃষ্টি

    995 shares
    Share 398 Tweet 249
  • মিচিং সমাজ আৰু সংস্কৃতি

    2999 shares
    Share 1200 Tweet 750
  • ছাৰ ধীৰেন্দ্ৰ তালুকদাৰক সদায় পাই থাকিম ‘বজালীৰ শব্দকোষ’ৰ পৃষ্ঠাসমূহত

    104 shares
    Share 42 Tweet 26
Mahabahu.com

Mahabahu: An International Journal Showcasing Premium Articles and Thought-Provoking Opinions on Global Challenges—From Climate Change and Gender Equality to Economic Upliftment.

Category

Site Links

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

We are Social

Instagram Facebook
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact

© 2021 Mahabhahu.com - All Rights Reserved. Published by Powershift | Maintained by Webx

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Oops!! The Content is Copy Protected.

Please ask permission from the Author.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News & Opinions
    • Politics
    • World
    • Business
    • National
    • Science
    • Tech
  • Mahabahu Magazine
    • December 2023 – Vol-I
    • December 2023 – Vol-II
    • November 2023 – Vol-I
    • November 2023 – Vol-II
    • October 2023 – Vol-I
    • October 2023 – Vol-II
    • September 2023 – Vol-I
    • September 2023 – Vol-II
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Health
    • Food
  • Gallery
  • Mahabahu Books
    • Read Online
    • Free Downloads
  • E-Store
  • About Us

© 2021 Mahabhahu.com - All Rights Reserved. Published by Powershift | Maintained by Webx

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
%d