Manipur Violence: Why Are the Kukis and Meiteis Fighting? Know the History

Imphal: The conflict between the Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur is deeply rooted in the region's complex ethnic and historical context, and the fresh violence in the Imphal district has brought these tensions to the forefront.

On Sunday, Kuki militants used weaponized drones to attack the Imphal West district, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to several others.

The attack suspected by Kuki Millants targeted low-lying valley areas from hilltop positions, using snipers and drone-dropped bombs.

The attack is followed after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has taken a strong stance against pro-Meitei militant groups like Arambai Tenggol, which have been accused of inciting violence against the Kukis.

In a recent interview with PTI Videos, the chief minister said, "I told them (Arambai Tenggol) you will not do any anti-national or communal act. You have to support the government." "There should be no communal word from you. I gave a clear warning 'You will not say anything'," Singh said.

In an interview to news agency PTI, he described Manipur as a small, hardworking state and said “our forefathers” have a history of 2,000 years. “Many sacrifices were made to make this state. This state can’t be broken or have a separate administration. We will not allow this,” the chief minister stated

The historical roots of this conflict are complex.

Why are the two groups fighting? 

Manipur's population is divided between the Meiteis, who predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley and make up more than half the population, and the Kukis and Nagas, who mostly live in the hill regions. The Kukis, many of whom are Christians, have historical ties to the region, with most having migrated from Myanmar centuries ago.

They were originally settled in the hills by Meitei kings as a buffer between the Meiteis and the raiding Nagas.

Tensions between these communities are longstanding.

In 1993, Manipur saw violent clashes between Nagas and Kukis, resulting in the deaths of over a hundred Kukis. While traditionally the groups are aginst each other, the Nagas and Kukis have united against the Meiteis; demand for official tribal status.

The Kukis oppose the idea arguing that it would further strengthen the Meiteis' dominance in the region, particularly in terms of resource allocation and political representation.

The situation has been intensified by the illegal influx of Kuki immigrants from Myanmar, following the military coup there.

Meteis Demand for SC Status

The Meitei community in Manipur claims they were unjustly denied Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Before Manipur's integration into India in 1948, the Meiteis had a special status, but were later placed in the General category, partly because many had adopted Hinduism centuries ago. At the time, the Meiteis did not fully understand the benefits that ST status could bring. Although the Mandal Commission later granted them Other Backward Classes (OBC) status, the Meiteis petitioned the High Court in 2012, demanding recognition as an ST, a decision that remains unresolved.

The Meiteis are concerned about their future in the Imphal Valley. As non-tribals, they are legally prohibited from purchasing land in areas owned by tribal communities such as the Kukis and Nagas. Conversely, Kukis and Nagas can freely buy land in the Imphal Valley, where most Meiteis reside. The Meiteis believe that their categorization as a General caste disadvantages them within the state, fueling their insistence on obtaining ST status.

Poppy Cultivation in Manipur 

The hilly regions in the area are allegedly used the Kuki Immigrants for poppy cultivation. Poppy is used to make heroin and other drugs. While the government has destroyed thousands of acres of poppy farms. Kuki groups alleged they are unfairly blamed for poppy cultivation. The main issue behind the protests is the unfair reservation of the Meiteis.

The conflict between the groups is regarding the ethnic status. 

 Currently Security forces, including both state and central units, have been deployed to the area to stabilize the situation.

(With inputs from PTI)