2023 Manipur violence

Coordinates: 24°36′N 93°48′E / 24.6°N 93.8°E / 24.6; 93.8
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2023 Manipur violence
Date3 May 2023 – present
Location
Manipur, India

24°36′N 93°48′E / 24.6°N 93.8°E / 24.6; 93.8
Caused byEthnic tensions between Meitei
and Kuki peoples in Manipur
MethodsArson, rioting
Parties to the civil conflict
Casualties
Death(s)73 during clashes[1]
33 during army operation[2]
Injuries243[1]
Damage26,000+ temporarily displaced[1]
46,000+ relocated to other areas[1]
2023 Manipur violence is located in India
2023 Manipur violence
Location within India

An ethnic clash erupted on 3 May 2023 in India's north-eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal community from the surrounding hills, including the Kuki and Zo peoples.[3] More than 70 people died in the violence, and hundreds were left wounded.[4][5][6][7]

The dispute has to do with a long-standing demand by the Meitei people for a Scheduled Tribe status under the Indian Constitution, which would give them privileges comparable to the tribal communities. In April, a Manipur High Court verdict directed the state government to make a decision on the issue preferably within four weeks. The tribal communities protested the Meitei demand and the All Tribal Student Union of Manipur (ATSUM) conducted a solidarity march on 3 May. By the end of the march, clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki populations in the Churachandpur district bordering the Imphal Valley.[8]

The Indian Army flew in close to 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces to restore law and order.[9] Internet services in the state were suspended for a period of five days[10] and Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code was invoked.[11] The Indian troops were given "shoot on sight" orders to enforce the curfew in "extreme cases".[3][12]

Background[edit]

Further information: Hill tribes of Northeast India, Ethnic relations in India, Insurgency in Manipur, Human rights abuses in Manipur, and Violence against Christians in India

Manipur is a hill state in northeast India, bordering Myanmar to its east and south. The central inhabitable area is the Imphal Valley occupying about 10% of the land area of the state, which is mainly populated by the Meitei people. The surrounding hills are inhabited by hill tribes, who are classified as Kukis in the southern portion and Nagas in the northeastern portion.[13][14]

The Meiteis, who are largely Hindu and make 53% of the population, are prohibited from settling in the hilly regions of the state as per the Land Reform Act of Manipur.[13] The tribal population, consisting of predominantly Christian Kukis and the Nagas, forms about 40% of the state's 3.5 million people, reside in the reserved hill regions consisting of the rest of the 90% of the state. The tribal population is not prohibited from settling in the valley region.[7][8][15][13][3]

The Meiteis dominate political power in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.[13] Out of 60 seats in the Assembly, 19 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), i.e. for Naga or Kukis, while 40 are unreserved general constituencies, of which 39 seats were won by Meitei candidates in the last election.[16] Tribal groups have complained that the government spending is unduly concentrated in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley.[17]

Causes[edit]

The violence in Manipur is primarily triggered by the demand to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. However, there are deeper underlying reasons contributing to the simmering anger in the region. The government's crackdown on reserved and protected forests in the hill areas, as well as the perception of Kuki people being persecuted, are among the factors fuelling the conflict. The government's tough stance against encroachments in forest areas, which are often used for poppy cultivation, has led to resentment among tribal communities, including the Kukis. The Kukis feel targeted by the government's actions, especially considering the influx of Chin people from Myanmar, who share an ethnic connection with the Kukis and are fleeing violence and persecution. The government's firm approach against these alleged "illegal immigrants" has further aggravated tensions. Land disputes and population pressure also contribute to the conflict. As tribal villages grow in population, they expand into surrounding forest areas, which they consider their historical and ancestral rights. However, the government contests these claims, leading to resentment. Simultaneously, the Meitei community, residing in the valleys, is frustrated because they are not allowed to settle or purchase land in the hill areas, while tribal people can do so in the valleys. The lack of a clear policy for recognizing new villages and the absence of a transparent forest policy in Manipur have added to the grievances within the region. Additionally, the BJP Chief Minister's strong stance against encroachments and his assertion that forest lands should be protected under constitutional provisions have drawn criticism from tribal communities who perceive these measures as targeting specific groups, including the Kukis. Previous protests and clashes have occurred in response to the government's actions, such as the eviction of residents from certain villages and the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with armed political groups. The rallies and unrest have been fuelled by discontent over the government's disregard for scheduled hill areas and specific constitutional provisions applicable to Manipur. The recent demand to grant ST status to Meiteis, along with the High Court order supporting it, has further intensified tensions in the region.[18]

2023 escalation[edit]

In 2023, the state government in Manipur began efforts to remove illegal immigrants from settlements in reserve forest areas. Officials have stated that illegal immigrants from Myanmar have been settling in Manipur since the 1970s.[7] Tribal groups have said that illegal immigration is a pretext under which the Meitei population wants to drive the tribal population from their lands.[7] In February 2023, the BJP state government began an eviction drive in districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal, declaring the forest dwellers as encroachers – a move seen as anti-tribal.[19][20]

In March, the Manipur Cabinet withdrew from Suspension of Operation ceasefire agreements with the Kuki National Army and the Zomi Revolutionary Army.[20][19] Several Manipuri organisations also demonstrated in New Delhi to press for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) to be created with 1951 as the base year, complaining of abnormal population growth in hill areas.[7] The first violence broke out as five people were injured in a clash in the Kangpokpi district, where protesters gathered to hold a rally against "encroachment of tribal land in the name of reserved forests, protected forests and wildlife sanctuary".[19] While, the state cabinet stated that the government will not compromise on "steps taken to protect the state government's forest resources and for eradicating poppy cultivation".[19] On 11 April, three churches in Imphal's Tribal Colony locality were razed for being "illegal constructions" on government land.[19]

On 20 April 2023, a judge of the Manipur High Court directed the state government to "consider request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list."[21] The Kukis feared that the ST status would allow the Meiteis purchase land in the prohibited hilly areas.[7]

Overview[edit]

The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, was scheduled to visit Churachandpur on 28 April and inaugurate an open gym. Before the inauguration could take place, on 27 April, the gym was set on fire by protesters. Section 144 of the CrPC was invoked for 5 days and the police clashed with the protesters on 28 April.[22] In Manipur, curfew was imposed across eight districts, including non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts, as well as tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts.[23]

Riots[edit]

Amidst the long-standing tensions between the Meitei and the Kuki people, a tribal organisation called the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM), opposed to the decision of the Manipur High Court, called for a march named the "Tribal Solidarity March" on 3 May, which turned violent in the district of Churachandpur.[7][11] Reportedly, more than 60,000 protesters participated in this march.[22][24]

During the violence on 3 May, residence and churches of the mostly Kuki Tribal population were attacked in the non-tribal areas.[15][3] According to the police, many houses of the tribal population in Imphal were attacked and 500 occupants were displaced and had to take shelter in Lamphelpat. Around 1000 Meiteis affected by the violence also had to flee from the region and take shelter in Bishnupur. Twenty houses were burnt in the city of Kangpokpi.[12] Violence was observed in Churachandpur, Kakching, Canchipur, Soibam Leikai, Tengnoupal, Langol, Kangpokpi and Moreh while mostly being concentrated in the Imphal Valley during which several houses, places of worship and other properties were burnt and destroyed.[25][12]

On 4 May, fresh cases of violence were reported. The police force had to fire several rounds of tear gas shells to control the rioters.[25] Kuki MLA Vunzjagin Valte (BJP), who is the representative of the tribal headquarters of Churachandpur, was attacked during the riots while he was returning from the state secretariat. His condition was reported to be critical on 5 May, while a person accompanying him died.[26][27] The government said around 1700 houses and numerous vehicles were burned down during the violence.[28][29]

Military deployment and evacuations[edit]

The Manipur government issued a shoot at sight order on 4 May.[12] By the end of 3 May, 55 columns of the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army were deployed in the region and by 4 May, more than 9,000 people were relocated to safer locations.[8][11][12][30][31] By 5 May, about 20,000 and by 6 May, 23,000 people had been relocated to safe locations under military supervision.[3][32] The central government airlifted 5 companies of the Rapid Action Force to the region.[6] Nearly 10,000 army, para-military and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed in Manipur.[9][33] On 4 May, the Union government invoked Article 355, the security provision of the Indian constitution, and took over the security situation of Manipur.[34][35][36] As of 14 May, the total military build up in Manipur stood at 126 army columns and 62 companies of paramilitary forces.[1]

The insertion of troops led to several engagements between hill-based militants and the Indian Reserve Battalion, resulting in at least five militant deaths. In a separate encounter, four militants were killed. By 6 May the situation had calmed down to a degree.[33] According to journalist Moses Lianzachin, at least twenty-seven churches were destroyed or burned down during the violence.[3] As of 9 May, according to the Manipur government, the death toll was over 60 people.[4] The situation was described as "relatively peaceful" on 10 May, with the curfew being relaxed in places,[37] though unknown militants fired on Indian troops in an incident in Manipur’s Imphal East district, injuring one.[38]

On 12 May, suspected Kuki militants ambushed policemen in Bishnupur district, killed one officer and injuring five others.[39] In a separate incident, a soldier was stabbed and three Meitei community members kidnapped in Torbung, Churachandpur district.[39] A day later, the security advisor to the Manipur Government Kuldeep Singh raised the total fatality count from the violence to more than 70 deaths. This included the discovery of three Public Works Department labourers found dead in a vehicle in the Churachandpur from unknown causes.[40] He added the number of internally displaced people living in camps had been significantly reduced, and that about 45,000 people had been relocated to other areas.[40]

On 14 May, reports of fresh violence surfaced in the Torbung area, with unidentified arsonists torching more property, including houses and trucks. Five companies of Border Security Forces were deployed. In a separate incident, two Assam Rifles personnel were injured.[1] The same day, a delegation of state ministers led by Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh left for New Delhi to meet Union home minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation.[1] The reported tally of casualties and property damage from the violence by this point stood at 73 dead, 243 injured, 1809 houses burned down, 46,145 people evacuated, 26,358 people taken to 178 relief camps, 3,124 people escorted evacuation flights, and 385 criminal cases registered with the authorities.[1]

The internet blackout and curfew remained in place on 16 May.[41] Food was also reported to be scarce, with shops, schools and offices closed, and thousands of people stranded in refugee camps. Fresh violence over the weekend had led to further displacements.[41] On 17 May, the internet blackout was extended for five more days.[42] On the same day the army foiled plans for fresh violence by recovering recovered explosives and Remote Initiation Mechanism for IEDs in Village Bungbal Khullen. Fresh violence occurred on 29 May during which at least five people including one policeman was killed.[43]

Meitei extremist organisations[edit]

Numerous witnesses and members of security forces have put much of the anti-Kuki violence on two Meitei extremist organisations called 'Arambai Tenggol' and 'Meitei Leepun'. An army officer likened them to the Hindutva organisations behind the Ram Navami procession violence in other parts of the country, and stated them to be responsible for setting homes, businesses and churches on fire. The officers also alleged that the organisations had the support of the state government, and that they had marked Kuki homes with red paint in advance in order to be able to identify them.[44] These groups are said to have formed 2–3 years earlier, and were linked to the chief minister Biren Singh and the Member of Parliament Leishemba Sanajaoba.[45][46][47][48] On 26 May, Arambai Tenggol announced that it was dissolving itself, citing certain "unwanted developments" that had taken place in the last few days.[49] On 28 May, a fierce gunfight was reported between militants of surrendered Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), now operating under the Arambai Tenggol banner, and a unit of Assam Rifles.[50]

Reactions[edit]

The Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh stated that the riots were instigated by “prevailing misunderstanding between two communities” and appealed for restoration of normality.[51]

Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament, called for President's rule and blamed the BJP-led government, saying it has failed to govern the state.[52]

Peter Machado, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, expressed concern that the Christian community is being made to feel insecure, adding that "seventeen churches are either vandalised, desecrated or defiled."[53]

Olympic medallist Mary Kom, a native of Manipur, tweeted an appeal seeking help for her home state.[54] The Union Government Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah cancelled his campaign programs for the Karnataka election and held meetings with Biren Singh monitoring the situation in Manipur.[55]

A BJP MLA, Dinganglung Gangmei, petitioned the Supreme Court of India against the High Court's recommendation to the state government to add Meitei people to the ST list.[56][57][58]

On 12 May 2023, all 10 Kuki MLAs, including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party, issued a statement demanding a separate body be created to administer their community under the constitution of India in the wake of the violent ethnic clashes.[59] They alleged that the violence had been “tacitly supported” by the BJP-run state government, and that living under a Meitei-majority administration after the violence would be “as good as death” for their community.[59] Five organisations of tribal students of Manipur in New Delhi also demanded a probe into the alleged involvement of two radical Meitei groups, Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun in the violence.[60]

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement that the violence in Manipur "revealed the underlying tensions between different ethnic and indigenous groups". He urged the authorities to "respond to the situation quickly, including by investigating and addressing root causes of the violence in line with their international human rights obligations".[61]

On 29 May, hundreds of women from Hmar, Kuki, Mizo, and Zomi tribes staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding intervention by the central government to end communal tensions in Manipur. The women waved national flags and held posters declaring themselves as Indians, not immigrants, while criticising the state government stirring tensions by evicting of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land.[62]

On 30 May 2023, eleven international and national award-winning sportspersons from the state said that they will return their awards if the territorial integrity of state is compromised. If the government does not meet their demands, the sportspersons said they will not represent India and will not help in training new talent.[63]

References[edit]

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