The Unfolding Kuki–Meitei Conflict in Manipur

The Unfolding Kuki–Meitei Conflict in Manipur MP-IDSA Issue Brief The Unfolding Kuki–Meitei Conflict in Manipur Pushpita Das May 26, 2023 Summary While the High Court's directive to the Manipur government to submit its recommendation on the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list was the immediate trigger for the violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis, anger against the M. [...] During the colonial times, the British deliberately introduced the ‘hill-valley divide’ by separating the administration of the hills from the plains.19 This divide was also accentuated by the religious divide between the two wherein the Meiteis embraced Vaishnavism patronised by their Kings of Manipur and the hill people were converted to Christianity by the missionaries who were allowed to funct. [...] The HAC is the highest body “at the legislative level to oversee the planning, implementation and monitoring of all development activities in the hill areas of the state”.22 Furthermore, as provided under Article 371(C) of the Constitution of India, the HAC also vets all laws affecting these hill districts. [...] The amendment increased the total number of seats in the district council from 18 to 24 and provided that the elections to the districts councils shall be conducted and supervised by the State Election Commission.29 The Act also increased the number of subjects to be devolved to the ADCs from 17 to 26. [...] The Bill also proposes creation of Hill Areas Secretariat for managing, coordinating and monitoring the working of all the ADCs.32 The drafters of the new bill argue that the proposed bill has been drafted with the twin objectives of development of the hill areas and maintaining the territorial integrity of Manipur.