THE CONTEXT: President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation on February 9 and the expiration of the constitutional deadline to convene the Assembly on February 12. This marks Manipur’s 11th instance of President’s Rule, occurring amid ongoing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began on May 3, 2023, and has resulted in the displacement of over 60,000 people.
THE BACKGROUND:
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- Ethnic Groups: Manipur is home to 33 Scheduled Tribes broadly grouped under the Nagas and Kukis, alongside the majority Meitei community (53-60% of the population) inhabiting the Imphal Valley. The Meiteis, predominantly Hindu, are classified as OBCs or SCs in certain areas, while Nagas and Kukis are Christians with Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Non-tribal communities such as Pangals (Muslims), Nepalis, Bengalis, and Marwaris contribute to the state’s demographic mosaic.
- Ethnic Tensions and Governance Failures: The demand for ST status by Meiteis triggered ethnic tensions with Kukis and Nagas, who view it as a threat to their autonomy. Policies like forest eviction drives, crackdowns on poppy cultivation, and allegations of illegal migration have exacerbated hostilities between communities.
- Frequent Constitutional Breakdowns: Since its statehood in 1972, Manipur has experienced President’s Rule 11 times, reflecting its fragile political structure. Political power is concentrated in the valley, with 40 out of 60 Assembly seats controlled by Meiteis, leaving hill tribes underrepresented.
- Geographical Divide: The Imphal Valley (10% of land area) houses 57% of the population, primarily Meiteis. The surrounding hill districts (90% of land area) are inhabited by Nagas and Kukis, who feel politically and economically marginalized.
- Cultural and Historical Roots: The Nagas have a history of warrior traditions, while the Kukis share kinship ties with Mizos in Mizoram and Chins in Myanmar. The colonial-era “divide-and-rule” policies deepened ethnic divisions by administering hill areas separately from the valley.
- Recent Developments: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation on February 9, 2025, amid BJP infighting and missed constitutional deadlines for convening the Assembly under Article 174(1), led to a governance vacuum.
THE CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS:
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- Humanitarian Crisis: Thousands live in relief camps under unsanitary conditions with inadequate food, water, and shelter. Official records fail to account for unregistered displaced individuals residing with relatives or in temporary shelters. Women and children are disproportionately affected.
- Healthcare Breakdown: Major hospitals in Imphal remain inaccessible to hill communities due to ethnic segregation and blockades. Delayed medical access has led to preventable deaths. Studies show that 65.8% of displaced persons suffer from PTSD, while 15.2% report severe anxiety.
- Education Disruption: There is a lack of infrastructure, such as schools or learning centers in camps. Psychological trauma among children affects their ability to engage with education effectively. Prolonged educational disruption leads to long-term socio-economic disadvantages for displaced children.
- Economic Impact: Retail inflation reached an unprecedented 11.63%, compared to the national average of 5.55%. Youth unemployment stands at 19.7%, significantly higher than the national average. Traditional industries like textiles saw an 80% reduction in exports. Prolonged violence entrenches structural poverty and widens inequality gaps.
KEY ISSUES UNDERPINNING INSTABILITY IN MANIPUR:
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- Land Rights and Resource Distribution: The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960, prohibits non-tribals, including Meiteis, from purchasing land in tribal areas while allowing unrestricted tribal settlement in the valley. Tribal communities fear encroachment on their land and cultural identity if Meiteis are granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This fear was a key trigger for the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, following a Manipur High Court order recommending ST status for Meiteis.
- Economic Disparities: Despite comprising 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, hill districts receive less than 10% of development funding. Grant-in-Aid under Article 275 meant for tribal development is often diverted to valley projects. Over 60% of villages in hill districts lack basic healthcare facilities and safe drinking water.
- Identity Politics: Meiteis claim historical ownership of valley and hill regions as part of traditional Manipur territory. Identity-based mobilization often exploits ethnic insecurities for political gains. The partisan role of state agencies during the violence has further eroded trust among ethnic groups. Manipur’s instability reflects a “legitimacy crisis” where state institutions fail to represent or protect all communities equitably.
THE WAY FORWARD:
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- Strengthening Decentralized Governance: Extend Sixth Schedule provisions to Manipur’s hill districts to provide greater legislative and administrative autonomy through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). Empower the Hill Area Committee (HAC) under Article 371C by granting it veto powers over decisions affecting tribal areas.
- Establishing a Unified Command for Conflict Resolution: Adopt a Unified Command structure, as implemented in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, to synergize security forces, enforce ceasefire ground rules, and facilitate political dialogue. The Unified Command should operate at two levels: the Strategic level, headed by the Chief Minister, and the Operational level, led by military leadership for security coordination.
- Promoting Inclusive Economic Development: Launch targeted development programs for hill districts under schemes like MGNREGA, PMGSY (rural roads), and Jal Jeevan Mission. Addresses gaps in infrastructure identified under the North Eastern Council’s reports on Manipur’s development deficits.
- Facilitating Inter-Ethnic Reconciliation: Organize community dialogues facilitated by neutral mediators involving civil society organizations (CSOs), women’s groups, student unions, and religious leaders. Establish “peace committees” at the district level to monitor reconciliation efforts.
- Reforming Land Ownership Laws: Review the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act to create a balanced framework that protects tribal land rights while addressing Meitei concerns over restricted access. Introduce community-led land management systems similar to Nagaland’s village councils under Article 371A.
- Judicial Reforms for Expedited Justice: Establish fast-track courts to handle cases related to ethnic violence, insurgency, and human rights violations. Strengthen forensic capabilities to ensure evidence-based investigations into conflict-related crimes. Swift trials can restore faith in state institutions.
THE CONCLUSION:
The resolution of Manipur’s crisis lies in fostering inclusive governance, equitable development, and inter-ethnic reconciliation anchored in constitutional morality and justice. By addressing structural inequalities and rebuilding trust in state institutions, Manipur can transform its challenges into an opportunity for sustainable peace and harmonious coexistence.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. The right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute. Comment 2022
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. The prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur has exposed deep-rooted governance deficits, socio-economic inequalities, and identity-based tensions. Critically analyze.
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