In one month, there have been at least 75 fatalities due to the violence. Attacks on police stations, courthouses, and other buildings have occurred, and armories have been pillaged.
The state’s society is divided along multiple fault lines since the Kukis and other tribal groups are primarily hill-dwelling Christians while the Meiteis are primarily Hindus who live in the lowlands. Source: India Today
There are economic concerns because the Kukis believe the majority community is putting their land rights in danger. Politics has also been important. There has been animosity between the two communities for a very long time.
Home Minister Amit Shah is currently in Manipur after receiving criticism for delaying his visit to the state for weeks after the unrest broke out and the atmosphere smoldered. Despite few attempts at rapprochement during these weeks, the conflict has grown and spread.
The Manipur High Court’s judgement suggesting a judgement regarding the Meiteis’ request for the grant of tribal status is what started the current round of violence. The order has now been stayed by the Supreme Court, but the Kukis are concerned that this will have an impact on the privileges they currently enjoy.
Following the High Court order, the Kukis organised a march, which served as the initial catalyst for the unrest. Amit Shah has attributed the violence to the High Court judgement, but this is a simplification of a complex situation that has been evolving for months and years.
Because Biren Singh is viewed as being pro-Meitei, the Kukis have little faith in the state government. In terms of administration, the Meiteis dominate. The state government failed to take preventative measures because it failed to foresee the effects of the High Court ruling. The government’s campaign to stop the growing of poppies in the hills was perceived as a move against the indigenous people.
In March, it also left the Suspension of Operations (SOO) pact with two militant organisations. Another difficulty has been the flood of refugees from Myanmar, who share ethnic ties with the Kuki people. While putting a stop to violence and reestablishing peace and order is of the utmost importance, a complete solution will also need to take into account the state’s many polarising concerns and circumstances.
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