Decoding the conflict and causes between Meitei and Kuki people

Abstract

Meitei and Kuki conflict started with Meitei fears of losing their land, culture, and tradition due to internal and external influx. To overcome this fear Meitei people, want ST which will give them constitutional protection, whereas Kuki and Naga on the other hand don’t want Meitei to become a scheduled tribe. Many Burmese Kuki have illegally crossed the border and started sheltering in Manipur since 1951. This paper is based on primary data and uses secondary data from local newspapers and journals. Due to political instability in the neighboring country, many Burmese Kukis have come in different migration waves of different periods in the last 70 years and enjoyed the scheduled tribe privilege and protection given by the Indian constitution. This huge migration brings anxiety to the indigenous people of Manipur, especially about demographic changes. When ATSUM organised a rally on 3rd May against ST status for Meitei which is pre-dominated by Kuki people. The violence started at Torbung which is also the border between Bishnupur district and Churchandpur district with Kuki people started burning down Meitei houses and temples. Other districts like Kangpokpi, and Tegnoupal also hit the violence on the same day at the same time which is dominated by Kuki people. And with this Meitei People retaliated as a result.