What Happened
- Three Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs -- Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate -- joined the new Manipur state government, with Kipgen sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister.
- MLA Ngursanglur Sanate stated: "For any problem, the solution has to be arrived at at the table, not by guns, not by fighting and killing," explaining his decision to participate in governance rather than remain in opposition.
- The decision triggered widespread protests in Manipur's hill districts, including a 24-hour shutdown in Churachandpur and other Kuki-Zo areas, effigy burnings, and calls for social boycott of the three MLAs.
- The Kuki-Zo Council described the protests as reflecting "deep anguish, anger, and collective rejection" of the MLAs' actions.
- The majority of the Kuki-Zo community demanded that their MLAs refrain from joining the government until the Centre considers their demand for a separate Union Territory-like administration.
- Of the 10 Kuki-Zo legislators in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, only three joined the government.
Static Topic Bridges
Manipur Ethnic Conflict: Origins and Dynamics
The ethnic violence in Manipur erupted on May 3, 2023, between the majority Meitei community (predominantly inhabiting the Imphal Valley) and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities (residing in the surrounding hill districts). The conflict has resulted in over 258 deaths and displacement of approximately 60,000 people as of late 2024, creating a de facto territorial division within the state.
- The proximate trigger was a Manipur High Court order (April 14, 2023) that seemingly recommended Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Meitei community, a demand the tribal communities viewed as threatening their constitutionally protected tribal identity and land rights.
- The Supreme Court later criticized the High Court order and stayed its implementation.
- Meiteis constitute approximately 53% of the population but inhabit only about 10% of the state's land area (the Imphal Valley). Kuki-Zo and Naga tribals inhabit the remaining 90% (hill areas) with protections under Articles 371(C) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
- Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has been selectively applied in the state, with periodic extensions and relaxations in different districts.
- The Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration ranges from a Union Territory to an autonomous territorial council or separate statehood.
Connection to this news: The three MLAs' decision to join the Meitei-led government is seen by the Kuki-Zo community as a betrayal of the collective demand for a separate administration. It reflects the tension between political pragmatism and community solidarity in the context of an unresolved ethnic conflict.
Sixth Schedule and Autonomous District Councils
The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)) provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura through Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). Manipur's hill areas are not covered under the Sixth Schedule, despite long-standing demands from tribal communities for its extension to the state.
- Article 244(2) empowers the Governor to apply the Sixth Schedule to tribal areas in specified northeastern states.
- Autonomous District Councils have legislative powers on subjects including land, forest, village administration, marriage and social customs, and minor judicial functions.
- ADCs can establish village councils, administer justice according to customary law, and collect land revenue.
- Currently applied in: Assam (Bodoland Territorial Region, Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and three other districts), Meghalaya (Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills), Mizoram (Chakma, Lai, Mara), and Tripura (Tripura Tribal Areas).
- The Hill Areas Committee under Article 371(C) exists in Manipur but has limited powers compared to Sixth Schedule councils.
- A Manipur government-appointed committee in 2023 recommended exploring the Sixth Schedule option for hill areas.
Connection to this news: The Kuki-Zo demand for a separate Union Territory-like administration is partly rooted in the failure to extend Sixth Schedule protections to Manipur's hill areas. Their MLAs joining the state government is controversial because it is perceived as undermining this demand.
Article 371(C): Special Provisions for Manipur
Article 371(C) of the Constitution provides special provisions for Manipur, specifically the creation of a Committee of the Legislative Assembly consisting of members elected from the hill areas to protect the interests of tribal communities in the state's legislative process.
- Inserted by the Constitution (27th Amendment) Act, 1971, when Manipur became a full state.
- The Hill Areas Committee consists of all MLAs elected from hill constituencies (currently about 20 out of 60 assembly seats).
- The Governor has a special responsibility with respect to the administration of hill areas, as the Hill Areas Committee's recommendations on matters affecting hill areas must be considered.
- Key limitation: The Committee has only an advisory role; its recommendations are not binding on the state government.
- This is seen as weaker than the Sixth Schedule, which provides autonomous governance powers, not merely advisory consultation.
- Other northeastern states with Article 371 special provisions: Nagaland (371A), Assam (371B), Mizoram (371G), Arunachal Pradesh (371H).
Connection to this news: The inadequacy of Article 371(C) protections is central to the Kuki-Zo grievance. The MLAs who joined the government argue that working within the existing constitutional framework is more practical than remaining outside it, but the community views the Article 371(C) mechanism as insufficient to protect tribal interests, especially during an ongoing ethnic conflict.
Peace Processes in Northeast India
India's Northeast has seen multiple peace processes to resolve ethnic and insurgency-related conflicts, with varying degrees of success. These processes provide a template for potential resolution of the Manipur crisis but also illustrate the challenges of achieving lasting peace agreements.
- Bodo Peace Accord (2020): Signed between the Government of India, Assam government, and four Bodo organizations including the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). Created the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with greater autonomy under the Sixth Schedule.
- Naga Framework Agreement (2015): Signed between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM). Remains unresolved due to disagreements over a separate Naga flag and constitution.
- Mizo Accord (1986): Signed between the Indian government and the Mizo National Front (MNF). Led to the creation of Mizoram as a full state and is considered the most successful peace process in the Northeast.
- Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements: The Centre and Manipur government signed SoO agreements with various Kuki armed groups in 2008, which remain in effect but have come under strain since 2023.
Connection to this news: The MLA's statement that "the solution has to be at the table" invokes the tradition of negotiated settlements in the Northeast. However, the community backlash suggests that joining a state government perceived as partisan to one ethnic group is viewed differently from participating in a formal, Centre-mediated peace process.
Key Facts & Data
- Manipur violence since May 2023: Over 258 killed, approximately 60,000 displaced.
- Manipur Assembly: 60 seats; Kuki-Zo MLAs: 10; three joined the government.
- Article 371(C): Special provision for Manipur (27th Amendment, 1971); creates Hill Areas Committee.
- Sixth Schedule (Article 244(2)): Applies to Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura; does not cover Manipur.
- Meiteis: ~53% of population, ~10% of land area (Imphal Valley). Kuki-Zo and Naga tribals: ~47%, ~90% of land (hill areas).
- Bodo Peace Accord: 2020. Naga Framework Agreement: 2015 (unresolved). Mizo Accord: 1986.
- Suspension of Operations (SoO) with Kuki armed groups: Since 2008.
- AFSPA, 1958: Selectively applied in Manipur with periodic extensions and relaxations.