Context:
Meitei MPs & MLAs representing valley areas of Manipur meet the leaders of radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol after a summons is issued to them.
Who Are the Arambai Tenggol Group?
- Formation: Arambai Tenggol Group started a cultural outfit in 2020 and later transformed into a radical organisation.
- Meitei Hardline Organisation: It is one of the two hardline Meitei organisations (the other group is Meitei Leepun) suspected of being involved in many Meitei-Kuki clashes, which broke out in May 2023.
- They have been accused by the Kuki groups and the security establishment of playing a leading role in the violence.
Why Did the Arambai Tenggol Group ‘Summon’ Manipur’s Political Representatives?
- To discuss the demands of Arambai Tenggol Group:
- Delisting of Kukis from the Scheduled Tribes list.
- Deportation of refugees to camps in Mizoram,
- Fencing of India-Myanmar Border.
- Replacement of Assam Rifles with other paramilitary forces and
- Revoking Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre and Kuki militant groups.
Supreme Court intervention to stop Manipur Violence:
- Formation of Justice Geeta Mittal committee
- To enforce multiple layer of monitoring and SIT operations.
- Transfer of State Director General of Police
- Inclusion of CBI in the investigation.
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What are the Reasons Behind the Violence in Manipur?
- Orders of the Manipur High Court: It directed the State government to submit, within four weeks, a 10 year old recommendation to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for including the Meitei community in the ST list.
- Union Tribal Affairs Ministry’s Recommendation: The court referred to the Ministry’s letter in 2013 to the Manipur government seeking specific recommendations along with the latest socio-economic survey and ethnographic report.
- Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur Recommendation:
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- It submitted a representation in 2012 demanding ST status for the Meiteis.
- The committee also said the Meiteis needed constitutional safeguards against outsiders, stating that the community has been kept away from the hills. At the same time, the tribal people can buy land in the “shrinking” Imphal Valley.
Way Forward to Restrict & End Manipur Violence?
- Dialogue and Negotiation: Engaging in an open and inclusive dialogue between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi-Naga tribes is crucial for understanding each other’s perspectives, addressing grievances, and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
- Addressing Security Concerns: Creating a unified command to oversee security in the state, as suggested by the Home Minister, can help ensure the safety of all communities involved and prevent further violence.
- Cultural Understanding and Sensitivity: Recognizing the cultural and sociological factors underlying the conflict is important.
- Understanding the unique identities and aspirations of different tribal communities can guide the development of a solution that respects their individual cultures while promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
- Autonomy and Equilibrium: Striking a balance between granting greater autonomy to the states in the region and maintaining national unity can be a delicate task.
- Ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of all parties involved are considered can help achieve a sustainable equilibrium.
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News Source: Indian Express
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January 25, 2024