The Mahabharata is supposed to be our most comprehensive reference of roots. Our North-Eastern lands are represented in this epic by three fearless warriors. The peerless elephant mounted Bhagadatta who fought from the Kaurava side was king of Pragjyotish or current Assam. Nagaland is represented by Iravan, the son of Arjuna and Princess Ulupi. There are many myths associated with brave Iravan, Babrubahan on the other hand didn’t participate in the Kurukshetra war but is also peerless in the fact that he defeated his father the great Arjuna I battle. Babrubahan was the prince of Manipur born to princess Chitrangada out of her marriage with arjuna. A subject immortalized by Tagore in his dance drama Chitrangada. Pristine Manipur, of the lokhtak lake, witness to the INA’s attempt to liberate the mother land, is burning today.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur, have deep historical roots stemming from complex socio-political, cultural, and economic dynamics. The region’s diverse ethnic groups have been entangled in conflicts that have at times escalated into violence, posing challenges to both the local populace and the Indian government.
Manipur is home to a mosaic of ethnic groups, each with its distinct language, culture, and history. The Meitei, Kuki, Naga, and other communities have coexisted for centuries, often maintaining their identities in relative harmony. However, the colonial legacy and the redrawing of borders during and after British rule contributed to the emergence of inter-ethnic tensions.
There are various reasons that contribute towards these clashes. Some of the key ones include the following:
Land and Resources: The competition for limited resources, including land and access to water bodies, has fueled disputes between different ethnic groups. As urbanization and development projects increase, so do these conflicts. Traditionally the meitieis have been the valley dwellers, while the other tribes and communities have been hill dwellers
Political Representation: In a region with numerous ethnic groups, political representation has been a contentious issue. Some communities feel marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, leading to demands for greater autonomy and recognition.
Cultural Differences: Cultural disparities have occasionally escalated into conflicts, with various groups seeking to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. Language and religious differences have also played a role in intensifying these tensions.
Armed Insurgency: The prevalence of armed insurgent groups seeking regional autonomy or independence has further complicated the situation. These groups often operate along ethnic lines and have engaged in violent clashes with both each other and government forces.
Migration and Demography: The movement of people within and across borders has altered demographic patterns, causing concern over ethnic identity and representation of particular, note here is immigration of tribals of kuki origins from mynmar post the fall of the democratically elected Aung Sung Su Kyi government to the military junta. The crackdown of the military on these groups have led to the inflow of displaced people ff these communities into Mizoram and Manipur, who have then migrated and settle in the hills of Manipur.
Scheduled tribe status: A recent high court judgement has accorded Scheduled tribe status to the Meitei tribe. While this helps them on the national stage, within Manipur meiteis are the dominant majority community. Consequently, ST status to them would make them competitors to the minority tribes of the status. Protests against this move have been the final trigger of the recent clashes.
Ethnic clashes have taken a toll on Manipur’s socio-economic development, leading to disruptions in daily life, infrastructure damage, and a fragile economy. The prevalence of violence has also hindered tourism and investment, which are vital for the state’s growth. Traditionally women have been at the forefront of agitation in Manipur. Irom Sharmila, has been the face of Manipuri protest against AFSPA, and champion of the call for withdrawal of AFSPA. She I famous for her determination where she has undertaken a 500 week fast, making her the world’s longest hunger strike. However, it is women who have been the one who have borne the brunt of the clashes and atrocities resulting out of this trouble. Women have been raped. Houses burnt. A shocking video of a woman being paraded naked shook the nation when it surfaced weeks after the incident. The delay being due to the attempts of the government to control unrest and rumor mongering through an internet blackout. As days go by more and more incidents come to light indicating ethnic cleansing and targeted atrocities on women have happened from the early hours of the unrest.
Solutions need to be found and found fast if this has to be stopped, and some thoughts on the same are as below.
Inclusive Governance: Ensuring representation of all ethnic groups in political processes is crucial. Implementing measures that empower marginalized communities can foster a sense of inclusion and reduce feelings of alienation.
Resource Management: Transparent and equitable resource allocation, especially with regards to land and water, can help mitigate tensions stemming from resource competition.
Cultural Exchange and Education: Promoting cultural exchange programs and educational initiatives that emphasize diversity and tolerance can bridge gaps and foster understanding between ethnic groups.
Dialogue and Conflict Resolution: Encouraging dialogue between different communities, supported by mediators and conflict resolution experts, can be instrumental in de-escalating tensions and preventing violence.
Economic Development: Focusing on sustainable economic development, job creation, and improving the standard of living can reduce the factors that contribute to ethnic clashes.
The unfortunate clashes in Manipur have now become the gameplay of power-hungry politicians. The affected people are now mere pawns in the political board game with both government and opposition trading punches and indulging in whataboutery to gain their political brownie points. The opposition in our country has found a new umbrella under the I.N.D.I.A. initiative and are chomping at the bit to raise issues against the government and establish their credentials as a credible challenge against the Modi Juggernaut ahead of the 2024 general election poll soap opera. They have jumped on the allegations by the local tribals that the BJP led state government have been apathetic towards the demands of the tribals. This rises from the fact that state government has been running initiatives to evict so called encroachers from reserved forests. The tribals have been protesting this claiming that these were their traditional homes. it is to be noted that the state government is headed by a Meitei and
hence the tribals are suspicious. The opposition has been staging optic enhancing visits and protests, including tabling a no confidence motion in parliament on this issue. The government has been maintaining a business-as-usual attitude, and only after the shocking video of the Naga woman being paraded naked did it illicit a statement from the PM and consequent action on the perpetrators. While opposition jumps on this silence the government calls the opposition commotion as crocodile tears pointing at similar incidents in states run by them.
Amidst all this verdant Manipur of hills vales and lakes burns. The land of mighty Babrubahan who halted the Pandava juggernaut of the Rajasuya yagna lead by the mighty arjuna knocking its door demanding suzerainty, is today threatening to tear up. Not to external forces assault, but from within as brother bays for bother blood forgetting age hold fraternity. Even he might have been perturbed by this juggernaut of hate and violence in a land that is traditionally Vaishnavite.
