
The Manipur issue: A Look at the Ongoing Conflict

Gaurav Lad
20 May 2023
"The Ongoing Crisis in Manipur: Manipur, a state in northeastern Bharat, has recently made headlines for...."
....all the wrong reasons. Numerous people have been killed and injured in a series of violent fights between tribals and non-tribals, and the situation is still quite tense.
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The conflict is the result of a prolonged land rights dispute. The Meitei, who make up the majority in the valley, complain that the tribesmen have encroached on their territory. According to the tribesmen, the Meitei are attempting to displace them from the area where they have been living for generations.

On May 10, violence broke out at a tribal protest in the Churachandpur area, bringing the issue to a head. The rally was organized in opposition to a recent court decision designating the Meitei’s scheduled tribe. Several people were killed in the protester and police clash.
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Since the violence expanded to other regions of the state, the situation has become extremely unstable. Although the army has been dispatched to restore order, but it is uncertain when the violence will stop.
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The crisis in Manipur is comparable to the deep divisions that exist in northeastern Bharatiya states. There are many different ethnic groups living in these states, and there have always been disputes between them. To address the underlying issues causing the conflict in Manipur to stop more bloodshed, the government must act quickly.
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The History of the conflict in Manipur:
Manipur's struggle is a complicated one with a long history. The British separated Manipur into two regions during their colonial rule: the valley, administered by the Meitei king, and the mountains, ruled by tribal chiefs. These divisions are seen to be the origin of the current conflict.
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After independence, the Bharatiya government combined the two states that made up Manipur into one. The Meitei and the tribal people, however, were never able to coexist peacefully. Both groups have frequently clashed over the years, and lately the situation has gotten worse.
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The causes of the conflict in Manipur:
The conflict in Manipur has been fueled by a variety of factors. The problem of land rights is one of the primary factors. The Meitei claim that the tribal people have encroached on their territory, while the tribal people counter that they have lived there for many generations.
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The conflict was further complicated by the development problem. The tribesmen believe the Meitei-dominated government is taking advantage of them, while the Meitei feel they have been left behind in terms of progress.
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Finally, the increase of extremism in the area has contributed to the conflict. Several militant organizations that use violence to achieve their objectives are based in Manipur.
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The impact of the conflict:
The state of Manipur has suffered greatly as a result of the conflict there. The violence has resulted in thousands of deaths or injuries, and tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. The conflict has also had a significant effect on the state's economy, making it challenging for the administration to deliver essential services to the citizens.
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The way forward:
The only way to end the conflict in Manipur is through talk and compromise. The Meitei and tribals must sit down and discuss their issues and work out ways to live together peacefully. In order to settle the conflict and guarantee the protection of Manipur's citizens, the government must also play an active role.
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The conflict in Manipur is a reminder of the importance of peace and unity. It is also a reminder that the government must address the root causes of the conflict and prevent further violence.