What is the unrest in Manipur all about?

Did you come across the disturbing visuals coming from the state of Manipur? Yes, getting around the issue seems difficult since it has a lot of complicacy. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered. Here are some pointers which you can read and understand the issue.

Ethnic faultlines have long existed within different communities of the state. Recently however, there are two issues which triggered the unrest.

1. In the month of March, the state government of Manipur initiated an eviction drive in the hilly regions of the state. The drive was mainly carried out in the area inhabited by the people of Kuki tribe. The Kuki community saw the action as a harassment. However, the state government says that it was clearing the forest encroachment.
2. A petition was filed in the Manipur high court to grant Schedule Tribe status to Meitei community. On April 19, the Manipur High Court issued directions to the state government to make a recommendation to the union government on the same. People of the Meitei community say that they needed the Scheduled Tribe tag to save their culture. Kukis however, sat that the Meiteis are already dominat and they fear that their jobs will be snatched if Meities are granted Schedule Tribe status.

Geography of the region:

We need to look at the geography of the region to understand the basis of conflict.

• The geography of Manipur looks something like the origami image given above. A valley region surrounded by hilly/mountaineous region around it.

• Tribal communities such as Nagas and Kukis form a majority population of the hilly region. Christianity is the major religion of the people living in this region.
• Meitei community is the majority community of the valley region which is surrounded by mountains. State capital Imphal is located in this valley region.

Land distribution in the state:

• Hilly region of the state comprises of 90% of the total land area of the state. Tribal communities reside majorly in this region.
• The Valley region is remaining 10% of the total land area.

• Meitei community forms more than 60% population of the state but can hold the land only in the valley region with is 10% of the total land area.
• Out of 60-member-legislative assembly in the state, 40 legislators belongs to Meitei community.

• People from the tribal communities such as Nagas and Kukis can buy land in any region of the state.
• However, as per the law, people of the Meitei community cannot buy land in the hilly regions of the state.