India’s Manipur at risk of recurrent bouts of violence

Significance

The tensions stem from opposition among the tribal population to demands by the Meitei community, Manipur’s largest ethnic group, to be included in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Since ST status would enable Meiteis to benefit from certain affirmative-action measures, existing STs fear being deprived of key opportunities.

Impacts

• Growing activism by Hindu nationalist organisations in the north-east could exacerbate Manipur’s tensions.
• Inward flows of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar will continue to be a major source of instability.
• The central government will step up its efforts to help resolve the situation.