Context: 

India’s reaction to the EU Parliament’s resolution on the violence in Manipur, dismissing it as interference, is predictable but not necessarily justified.

The Conflict in Manipur:

• Violence and Displacement: In early May, Manipur witnessed a surge in violence, resulting in 142 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people. 
  • The conflict primarily involves the Hindu-majority Meitei community and the Christian-dominated Kuki-Zo community.
• Erroneous Order: The spark for the violence was an incorrect court order, later recognized as erroneous by the Chief Justice of India. 
  • The order aimed to include Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the state, causing grievances among different communities.

Misconceptions in the EU Parliament Resolution:

• Religious Misunderstanding: The resolution wrongly portrays the conflict as having a religious basis, pitting Hindus against Christians. 
  • The vandalization of churches and temples during the violence contributed to this misconception.
• Ignoring Root Causes: The resolution fails to acknowledge that the conflict stems from ethnic tensions, socio-economic disparities, and political dynamics rather than religious differences. 
  • The Naga community, also predominantly Christian, was affected by the court decision but not directly involved in the violence.
• Need for Reconciliation: The crisis in Manipur requires reconciliation and accountability to break the cycle of violence. 
  • Efforts by civil society to bridge the ethnic divide are ongoing, and a correct understanding of the situation is essential for effective resolution.

Conclusion: 

• The EU Parliament’s resolution on Manipur misdiagnoses the conflict by attributing it to religious discord instead of acknowledging the complex socio-political factors at play. A more accurate understanding is crucial to promote reconciliation, accountability, and long-term peace in the region.

News Source: The Hindu

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