The government of India is currently in the process of concluding peace discussions with 23 Kuki and Zomi factions in Manipur. This proceeding comes as a result of the long-standing history and interplay among the various tribal groups based in the region.
Historical Context of Manipur
Manipur, prior to becoming part of the Indian Union on October 15, 1949, was known as a princely state. It is home to different ethnic communities, primarily the Nagas, Kukis, and Meiteis. The incorporation of Manipur into the Indian Union and the delay in bestowing upon it complete statehood, which only occurred in 1972, were causes of major agitation amongst the people of Manipur.
Disparate ambitions and perceived threats concerning overlapping demands over natural resources drove these ethnic groups further apart. Following the disciplinary skirmishes between the Nagas and Kukis in the early 1990s, a multitude of Kuki factions sprang up as a response to Naga dominance and claim.
Formation of Militant Groups and Subsequent Peace Accord
The Kuki National Front (KNF), one of the groups that emerged from these clashes, was established in 1998. These areas under dispute for possible integration with Nagaland by NSCN – IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Issac Muivah, formed in 1988) included sizable sections of Kuki occupied territory. Around this time, another faction named Zomi Reunification Army (ZRA) was established in 1997 to safeguard the interests of the Paite community from any potential hostility.
In a hopeful turn of events, in 2008, an agreement was signed by 20 militant groups related to Kukis and Zomis under two major organizations, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), with the Government of India and Government of Manipur. This Suspension of Operations (SoO) accord aimed at discussing the extremist groups’ demands while attempting to foster peace within Manipur.
Ethnic Communities in Manipur
The population of Manipur is primarily divided into three primary ethnic communities – Meiteis, who occupy the valley, and 29 major tribes residing in the hills, split into two main ethno-denominations – Nagas and Kuki-Chins.
| Naga Group | Chin-Kuki Group |
|---|---|
| Zeliangrong, Tangkhul, Mao, Maram, Maring, Tarao | Gangte, Hmar, Paite, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, Aimol, Chiru, Koireng, Kom, Anal, Chothe, Lamgang, Koirao, Thangal, Moyon and Monsang |
The term ‘Chin’ is used to refer to the people living in the neighbouring Chin state of Myanmar, while on the Indian side, Chins are referred to as Kukis. Other factions like Paite, Zou, Gangte, and Vaiphei align themselves with the term Zomi and have intentionally separated themselves from the Kuki label. It’s important to clarify that all these different ethnic groups belong to the same Mongoloid group with closely similar cultural practices and traditional habits. However, Meiteis deviate from the surrounding hill tribes in that they observe Hindu customs and practices. A shared piece of folklore among all these tribes follows the narrative that their origins can be traced back to a cave somewhere in the north.