Meitei are plainspeople, account for 53% of Manipur’s population, and are concentrated in the central valley, about 10% of the state’s land area. They are also politically dominant. With increased pressure on land, this has become an issue. Tribal groups (about 47%) can buy land in the valley and hills. But the Kukis, part of tribal groups, feel victimised. Recent evictions by the government from forest lands, and the tough stance on Chin community members fleeing from Myanmar, have deepened this sense. The state government’s efforts to clamp down on poppy cultivation in the hills has not helped.
A divide-and-rule approach to the Meitei and Kuki communities can be traced to the colonial era. Little has been done to address long-festering grievances and administrative fault lines. Resolution requires bringing together all communities, addressing their concerns and finding locally viable solutions. No single group is a victim here – at least 50 persons have been killed since violence broke out last week. It is a time to act with responsibility and sensitivity. Politicians and others who have used social media to blame rivals only to inflame passions in an already inflammatory situation should be called out.
