Ethnic violence over tribal status has led to tens of thousands of displacement and dire living conditions for many, as communities remain divided and unsafe.
KANGPOKPI, India -- Phalneivah Khonsai ran for her life when violence struck her neighborhood in India's restive northeast, carrying just the bare essentials and hoping she and her family could return soon. Khonsai, her husband, and three children fled their home, which was torched by a mob, seeking safety as thousands from their community headed to the hills. That was May last year, but almost 19 months later, Khonsai, 35, remains displaced, living in squalid conditions at a government-owned relief center.
The relief camp is located in Kangpokpi, approximately 50 kilometers from Imphal, the capital of Manipur, which has been torn apart by ethnic violence since last year. Inside the building's damp and dark space, fabric partitions separate at least 75 families escaping chaos, living under conditions detrimental to their health. “It is very difficult to live here,” Khonsai lamented, as her fellow camp members carried out daily chores like washing clothes.
Since the conflict erupted between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo tribes, the violence has led to over 250 deaths and displaced at least 60,000 individuals. Regions have been divided, with armed militias patrolling roadways and ensuring no one crosses the invisible lines separating the two ethnic groups. Youths sleep vigilantly, guarding vulnerable areas against rival encroachment.
Khonsai, representing the Kuki perspective, mentions the toll the shelter is taking on her family. “If we go back, they will kill us. There is no hope for going back,” she states with despair.
The epicenter of the violence stems from the Meiteis' demands to be recognized as a Scheduled Tribe by the government, which would entitle them to certain benefits, including quotas for jobs and education. This request posed dire repercussions, as it would restrict land ownership solely to Meiteis within their territories, which the Kuki-Zo community vehemently opposed, claiming exclusivity of government assistance should be reserved for less developed tribal groups.
Following initial protests, both communities retaliated violently, destroying homes and claiming lives. Although clashes have simmered down somewhat, aggressive confrontations sprouted once more, especially when ten individuals were killed by paramilitary soldiers last November.
The Kuki-Zo community, fearing for their lives, assert they've been systemically targeted. They believe the state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, disproportionately favors the Meiteis, leading to their call for Singh's resignation. Seeking alternatives, the Kuki-Zos demand federal oversight accompanied by administrative autonomy.
Singh, on the other hand, denies these claims, asserting the hill tribes, sharing ethnic lineage from Myanmar's Chin tribe, are trafficking illegal drugs to execute warfare against Hindus. The underlying tension has led to mistrust, making it nearly impossible for members of both ethnicities to step foot within their respective adversaries' territories.
On the opposing side, Yengsom Junksom Memi, who belongs to the Meitei community, echoed the despair of her new life after being forced from her home. Now residing with 600 others at another relief camp, Memi explains, “We have no future left. It is difficult to even manage food in the morning and evening.”
This displacement crisis has adversely affected both groups of people. Most of the displaced members from the Kuki-Zo community have sought refuge up in the hills, whereas the Meiteis have taken shelter within refugee camps spaced across Imphal.
Ngamminlun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity, attributes the discord to failing governmental intervention and states, “I think the prime minister needs to intervene.”
Modi has refrained from visiting Manipur since the violence began but has directed his Home Minister Amit Shah to arrive at possible resolutions. Kipgen also suggests partitioning the state, proposing separate governance—one for each community—to mitigate tensions. “The nation must understand...that the Kukis and the Meiteis for the time being are not able to live together... so the state or the central government should not force both communities at this moment,” he remarked emphatically.
Until both groups can find common ground, the squalid living conditions and threats to their lives will persist, leaving thousands uncertain about their futures.
