Hardship faced by the minority community in Manipur ethnic conflict

- Ramneisang Faiheng

Deterioration of Living Conditions for Ethnic Minorities in Manipur

"On May 3, 2023, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum organized a peaceful rally in Churachandpur district to protest the proposed inclusion of Meitei in the Schedule of Tribes (ST) list. The Meitei community, which is the dominant group in Manipur, has been rejected for ST status twice before, in 1982 and 2001.

However, during the rally, the Meitei community turned violent and attacked the Tribal communities (Hmar Mizo, Kuki, and Zomi), setting fire to their homes in the Imphal valley. In response, the Tribal communities retaliated against the Meitei community in the hilly regions of Manipur. Despite the chaos, the state government failed to intervene effectively, and state forces from the Meitei community actively participated in the violence. Eventually, central security forces intervened, and buffer zones were established to separate the communities. Given the severity of the attacks and the lack of protection from the state government, the Tribal communities are now demanding separate administrative arrangements."

The ethnic conflict in Manipur is leading to a significant deterioration in the living conditions of ethnic minorities in Manipur, particularly the Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar people.

Specific examples of these changes include:

- Disruption of essential services: The Meitei community cut off electricity, mobile internet, air services, and bus services to the tribal areas, causing immense hardship.

- Economic blockade: The National Highway, which connects the tribal hills to the Imphal valley, was blocked, preventing goods and services from reaching the hilly areas.

- Lack of access to education: Examination centers were shifted from Churachandpur to Aizawl, Mizoram, forcing youths to travel long distances for exams.

- Increased transportation costs: Prices of public transport doubled due to the circuitous route from Guwahati to Mizoram to Churachandpur.

- Limited access to healthcare: The closure of gas stations and the illegal importation of gas from Mizoram at double prices further exacerbated the crisis.

- Food insecurity: Essential goods were sold above maximum retail prices, and the blockade led to a shortage of food and other essential items.

These changes have resulted in immense hardship for the ethnic minority communities in Manipur, highlighting the need for urgent attention and resolution to the ongoing conflict.