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.