The ongoing violent conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023 due to the attacks of the Kuki-Zomi militants against Meiteis in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Saikul and Moreh to claim the areas as their exclusive territories and the counter attacks by the Meiteis against the Kuki-Zomis in Imphal has not only deepened ethnic divisions but also raised serious questions about the role of the Government of India in addressing the crisis. One of the most pressing issues is the prolonged closure of National Highways particularly to the Meitei community who have been unable to move beyond the Central Valley for over two years. This failure to open the National Highways has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, fuelled mistrust, and indicated the government’s apparent inability or unwillingness to resolve the conflict though the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) says the government is working hard to allow free movement on National Highways – NH-2 and NH-37.
This piece tries to analyse the reasons behind the government’s failure to open the highways, situating it within the broader geo-political context, the Meitei insurgency for restoration of Manipur’s sovereignty, and the complexities of the violent conflict between the Kuki-Zomi militants and Meiteis.
The Context of the Conflict
The conflict between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities is rooted in historical grievances, ethnic identity assertion, and competing claims over land and resources. The migration of a group of people from British Burma (Myanmar) who are now identified as Kuki to Manipur started in 1837. Even after their descendants became naturalised citizens of Manipur after the British left Manipur in 1947, migration of groups of people who are now identified as Kuki-Chin-Zomi-Paite-Hmar from Burma and the then Lushai Hills (now Mizoram) of Assam to Manipur continues to increase after the merger of Manipur to Dominion India and subsequent abolition of Manipur Entry and Exit Permit System on November 18, 1950 by the Chief Commissioner Himmat Singh. The continued migration of these groups of people after the merger of Manipur with India poses a threat to the indigenous people of Manipur – Meiteis and the ethnic groups including those identified now as Nagas. Therefore, these groups of people loosely identified as Kuki-Zomis are considered as illegal immigrants and have caused a demographic imbalance in Manipur. The Kuki-Zomi militant groups united into two conglomerations – Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) are negotiating with the Government of India (GOI) for a homeland to be carved out of Manipur. On the other hand, there is also a long demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status from the Meiteis, who primarily inhabit the Central Valley, which the Kuki-Zomi groups oppose, fearing it would undermine their own political and economic rights. This tension has been exacerbated by the presence of armed militant groups on both sides, as well as the insurgency movement led by Meiteis, which seeks the restoration of Manipur’s sovereignty and independence from India.
The violent conflict that started from May 3, 2023 has left more than 61,000 people homeless, at least 270 people dead, 32 persons still untraceable, thousands of houses destroyed and burned down to ashes, villages and residential areas were bull-dozed and wiped out.
The closure of National Highways, particularly NH-2 and NH-37, has been a critical issue in the conflict. These highways are the lifelines of Manipur, connecting the Central Valley to the rest of India. The blockade though not officially declared has been enforced by Kuki-Zomi militants, who have effectively cut off the Meiteis from free flow of essential supplies, medical aid, and economic opportunities.
The violent conflict has led to an internal partition of Manipur, severing physical contact between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities. The Meiteis are not allowed to cross the “buffer zones” and move on National Highways, and sieged in the Central Valley for more than two years; while the Kuki-Zomis remain unable to enter the Central Valley and access even the Imphal Airport.
The government’s failure to reopen these highways has raised questions about its commitment to protecting the rights and security of all citizens.
The Government’s Failure to Act
Strategic Inaction and Geo-Political Considerations – The government’s inaction in reopening the National Highways can be seen as part of a broader strategic approach to the conflict. Manipur’s geo-political significance, particularly its proximity to Myanmar and its role in India’s “Act East” policy, has made it a sensitive region for the Central Government. The Kuki-Zomi groups, who share ethnic ties with communities in Myanmar, have been used as a buffer against cross-border insurgency movement and illegal activities. By not forcefully reopening the highways, the government may be attempting to avoid alienating the Kuki-Zomi groups, who could otherwise destabilize the region further.
Suppressing the Meitei Insurgency – The insurgency movement led by Meitei for restoration of Manipur’s sovereignty and independence from India poses a significant challenge to India’s sovereignty. The prolonged blockade of the highways has effectively isolated the Meitei community, weakening their economic and political power. This isolation can be interpreted as a deliberate strategy to undermine the insurgency by creating internal divisions and reducing the Meiteis’ capacity to mobilize. By allowing the blockade to continue, the government may be attempting to quell the insurgency movement led by Meitei for sovereignty without direct military intervention and to appease the Meiteis once the National Highways become opened.
Lack of Political Will – The government’s failure to act also reflects a lack of political will to address the root causes of the conflict. The Central and State Governments have been accused of favouring one community over the other, leading to a breakdown of trust. The absence of a coherent policy to reopen the highways suggests that the government is either unwilling or unable to take decisive action. This has further alienated the Meitei community, who feel abandoned by the State.
Security Concerns and Militant Influence – The presence of armed militant groups on both sides of the violent conflict has complicated efforts to reopen the highways. However, by not disarming the Kuki-Zomi militants as aggressive as disarming the Arambai Tenggol and armed groups involved in the violent conflict and conducting military operations against the Meitei insurgent groups still gives a free hand to the Kuki-Zomi militants. The Kuki-Zomi militants, who control key sections of the highways, have used the blockade as a bargaining tool to extract concessions from the government. The government’s reluctance to confront these militants directly may stem from fears of escalating violence or triggering a wider conflict. However, this approach has only emboldened the Kuki-Zomi militants and prolonged the suffering of the Meitei community.
Humanitarian Crisis and Economic Impact
The closure of the highways has had devastating consequences for the Meitei community. Essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine, have become scarce, leading to skyrocketing prices and widespread suffering. The blockade has also crippled the local economy, with businesses unable to transport goods and people unable to access markets or employment opportunities. The humanitarian crisis has been compounded by the government’s failure to provide adequate relief or alternative routes except compelling the Meiteis to the air routes with skyrocketed ticket prices to connect with the rest of the country.
The prolonged isolation of the Meitei community has also had psychological and social impacts. The inability to move beyond the Central Valley has created a sense of entrapment and despair, fuelling resentment and mistrust towards the government. This has further radicalized sections of the Meitei population, strengthening the insurgency movement and perpetuating the cycle of violence.
Broader Implications
Erosion of Trust in the State – The government’s failure to reopen the national highways has eroded trust in the State’s ability to protect its citizens. The Meitei community views the blockade as a deliberate act of neglect, while the Kuki-Zomi groups see the government’s inaction as tacit approval of their actions. This breakdown of trust has made it increasingly difficult to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Regional Instability – The ongoing conflict and the government’s inaction have destabilized the entire region. The blockade has disrupted trade and commerce, affecting neighbouring States as well. The violence has also spilled over into other areas, creating a wider security threat. The government’s failure to address the crisis has undermined its credibility and raised questions about its ability to govern effectively.
International Repercussions – The humanitarian crisis in Manipur has attracted international attention, tarnishing India’s image as a democratic and inclusive nation. The government’s failure to act has been criticized by human rights organizations and foreign governments, raising concerns about its commitment to protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.
Conclusion
The Government of India’s failure to reopen the National Highways in Manipur is a stark reflection of its inability or unwillingness to address the complex and deeply rooted conflict between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities. This inaction has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, fuelled mistrust, and undermined the State’s credibility. While geo-political considerations, the Meitei insurgency, and security concerns may explain the government’s approach, they do not justify the prolonged suffering of the Meitei community.
To resolve the crisis, the government must adopt a more proactive and inclusive approach. This includes reopening the highways, ensuring the safety of all citizens, and addressing the underlying grievances of both communities. By re-enforcing the reign of the Government on National Highways and beyond Manipur’s Central Valley, and only through dialogue, justice, and a commitment to peace can the government hope to end the violence and restore stability in Manipur. The Government of India’s continued failure to act will only deepen the divisions and perpetuate the cycle of conflict, with far-reaching consequences for the region and the country as a whole.
Senior Editor: Imphal Review of Arts and Politics
