• UGI USER
  • Jun 21, 2024
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TRIBAL AFFAIRS MINISTER ‘MISINFORMED’ ABOUT MANIPUR CONFLICT: KUKI-ZO BODY

Why in the news?

  • Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram described the crisis in Manipur as a “law and order situation,” managed by the Home Ministry.
  • The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community, termed this characterization as “misinformed” and urged Mr. Oram to understand the conflict’s details to assist tribal people effectively.
Source: wikipedia

Background on the Conflict:

  • Ethnic Violence: Ongoing clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023.
  • Roots: Historical grievances and recent triggers, including demands for Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis, and eviction plans of alleged illegal migrants from Kuki-dominated areas.
Process of Inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe List

  • Recommendation: State governments propose tribes for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.
  • Review: The Tribal Affairs Ministry reviews and forwards these recommendations to the Registrar General of India under the Home Ministry.
  • Approval: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes assesses and gives its approval.
  • Legislative Process: The Cabinet decides and introduces a bill in Parliament to amend relevant constitutional orders.
  • Final Decision: After passing through both houses of Parliament, the President makes the final decision under Articles 341 and 342.

Demographic Disparities in Manipur

  • Meitei Population: Over 50% of Manipur’s population; categorized as unreserved or OBC.
  • Kukis and Nagas: Primarily Christians and classified as Scheduled Tribes (STs); constitute around 40% of the population.
  • Land Distribution: Meiteis inhabit only 10% of Manipur’s total land area.
  • ST Dominance: Nagas and Kukis occupy the remaining 90% of the land.