Manipur violence

Published on 01 Feb 2025

In May 2023, ethnic violence broke out in north eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei community, who live along the Imphal valley, and the Kuki tribes from the surrounding hilly region. The main driver for the violence was the Manipur High Court's decision to grant ST status to the Meitei community

ST status to Meitei community 

Security implication of the riot

• Growth of militancy: Prolonged unrest could provide fertile ground for militant groups to recruit more people into their network.

• Example: The unrest could lead to the potential growth of militant groups like the United National Liberation Front, People's Liberation Army of Manipur etc.

• Border vulnerability: The unrest opens space for increased cross-border criminal activities like smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal arms trade.

• Example: Smuggling of drugs has increased not only in Manipur but also in neighbours like Mizoram.

• Internal displacement: The ethnic violence has led to large-scale displacement of people putting pressure on the neighbouring states and resources.

• Example: After 3 months, around 60000 people were displaced due to violence.

• Strained military-civilian relation: Military efforts to contain the violence often lead to conflict between both bringing mistrust between locals and armed forces.

• Example: 1500 women blocking the Indian army from releasing a dozen militants of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup group.

• Threaten human security: The gross human rights violations threaten human security.

• Example: After 3 months, about 187 people got killed. Attacks against women have also been used as a weapon.

• Disrupt regional security: The violence can create a spillover effect in the neighbouring north eastern states as many of these tribes are closely related.

• Strained relation with neighbours: Increased violence, organized crimes and refugee flow affect India's relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar.

• Example: Allegations that Kuki from Myanmar has made the unrest more violent will affect India's relations with Myanmar.

• Affects economic development: Unrest could deter investment and slow down the economic development of the region causing large-scale unemployment

• Example: After 2 months of violence, exports from Manipur declined by 80%.

Way forward

Coordinated efforts from the central and state governments are the need of the hour to counter the spread of violence. The security forces should cooperate with the locals and incorporate them into anti-militant actions. Ensure coordination with neighbouring states and nations to prevent cross-border infiltration and smuggling.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Manipur violence Meitei Kuki Internal security

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security