Manipur Violence 2023: An Insight

Ritika Gupta, Asian Law College

Let’s Confront of Prime Challenges in Manipur

1. Ethnicity and Social Exclusion - North-eastern states are already witnessing Internal Disturbance such as Border disputes, economic Problem, inter-tribal conflict, International Threat, illegal infiltration. Apart from these, ethnicity is sense of kingship, group solidarity and common set of culture, that can be viewed as pillar of unity among people, however, the root cause of ethnic assertion can be found in the identity crisis of various tribal communities who extend over the territorial boundaries drawn of India, having desperate attempts to protect their identity, culture and language which is closely intertwined with Social Exclusion in following ways: Firstly, the tribal communities’ subjective consciousness of being excluded, oppressed and marginalized. Secondly, the process of development failed to address the legitimate concerns of the people.

Excluded groups that suffer conflict, insecurity & multiple disadvantages may come together when they have unequal rights, are denied a voice in political processes and feel marginalized from the mainstream of their society. Peace may be the first step, such as marches, strikes and demonstrations. But if this has no effect, or if governments react violently to such protests, then groups are more likely to resort to violent conflict if they feel there is no alternative as happened in Meitei-Kuki Conflict in Manipur.

2. Human Rights- Now ethnic violence far stretched that led to secondary violence causing gross human right violation enforced disappearances, extra-judicial executions, rape and torture have become endemic. As of 4 July, 142 people have been killed in the violence, with more than 300 wounded, and approximately 54,488 displaced.