Modi's Visit Amid Manipur Conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur on Saturday marks his first trip to the state since the ethnic strife emerged between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023. This period has been defined by violence, the displacement of individuals, disruptions in law and order, and political changes, including the imposition of President's Rule. The following are key issues currently impacting Manipur:

1. Rehabilitation of Displaced Population

   • Over 57,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) reside in more than 280 relief camps across Manipur due to ongoing ethnic conflict.
   • Displacement has primarily occurred in two categories:
     • Individuals displaced from areas where the opposite community is predominant.
     • Individuals living in border “fringe areas” due to fear of attacks.
   • A three-phase resettlement plan was announced in July 2023 to reintegrate IDPs by the end of the year, focusing first on the second category of displaced persons and then on the first category thereafter.
   • Despite this, progress remains slow, with only about 5,000 people having returned to their homes prior to this plan.

2. Free Movement in the State

   • The conflict has entrenched boundaries between valley and hill districts, creating “buffer zones” heavily monitored by security forces.
   • As a result, movement is restricted, particularly for the Meitei community traveling to Kuki-Zo majority areas and vice versa.
   • The government had attempted to enforce free movement via major highways after the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2023, but this led to a violent confrontation resulting in casualties.
   • While Kuki-Zo groups have allowed some transportation of goods, no progress has been made on facilitating movement for Kuki-Zo individuals in Meitei-majority areas.

3. Dialogue Between Communities

   • Over 250 lives were lost in the prolonged violence, primarily from November 2022 until mid-2024. Although violence has decreased, authorities warn that the state remains vulnerable to further conflict.
   • The Ministry of Home Affairs is currently engaged in talks with both communities separately and has renewed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki-Zo groups.
   • A contentious element of this pact is the acknowledgment of “territorial integrity of Manipur,” conflicting with Kuki-Zo demands for a separate administration.
   • Tensions persist as Meitei groups criticize the pact for legitimizing Kuki-Zo forces, while Kuki-Zo factions continue to call for a Union Territory with legislative powers.

4. Government Formation

   • After serving as Chief Minister for 21 months amidst tensions, Biren Singh resigned in February 2023, which was welcomed by Kuki-Zo groups and led to the implementation of President’s Rule.
   • Increasing calls for restoring an elected government have emerged from various stakeholders, yet the Centre shows reluctance to lift President’s Rule, fearing instability.

5. Border Situation

   • The porous border with Myanmar has complicated the situation, with allegations of illegal immigration from the Chin community, which shares ethnicity with Kuki-Zo groups, contributing to unrest.
   • The Centre has abrogated the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar and announced plans to fence the border, triggering opposition from both Kuki-Zo and Naga communities who maintain close ties across the border.
   • The United Naga Council had previously enforced a trade embargo as a protest against these developments but has temporarily suspended this action ahead of the PM's visit.

Overall, Manipur continues to navigate complex socio-political dynamics characterized by ethnic divisions, displacement, and calls for governance reform amidst efforts for peace and stability.

Important Points:

• PM Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur marks his first since ethnic conflicts began in May 2023.
• Over 57,000 IDPs are currently housed in more than 280 relief camps in Manipur.
• A government-led three-phase resettlement plan is in place, but progress is slow.
• Movement restrictions have solidified ethnic divides, creating “buffer zones” monitored by security forces.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has engaged in dialogue with both communities amidst ongoing tensions.
• President's Rule has been maintained since February 2023 following Biren Singh's resignation.
• Concerns regarding the porous Myanmar border and illegal immigration add to the conflict complexity.