IMPHAL– In a move that has triggered concerns of renewed tension in Manipur, both the Central government and the state government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh are contemplating the formation of a panel to review the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of the “nomadic Chin-Kuki” tribes in the state. This decision has been met with opposition from Kuki-Zo bodies, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), and the Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC), raising fears of potential violence in the region.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, responding to local demands, stated that a committee comprising members from all tribal communities in Manipur would be established to deliberate on the removal of Chin-Kukis from the state’s ST list. The committee’s findings will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a proposal, as announced by the Chief Minister during the 190th death anniversary event of late Raja Maharaj Gambhir Singh in Langthabal.
The controversy gained momentum after a representation was sent to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister by Maheshwar Thounaojam, National Secretary of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), urging the removal of “nomadic Chin-Kukis” from the ST list in Manipur. The Union Ministry’s letter emphasized the need for the state government’s recommendation for further action.
Critics, including ITLF and ZCSC, condemned the move, viewing it as an attempt to alter ST norms and deprive Kuki-Zo tribals of their rights and lands, potentially deepening existing divides. The Indian Express reported that the representation argued for a reevaluation of the ST status based on indigeneity, with a focus on primitive characteristics, specific culture, geographical isolation, shyness in contact with the community, and backwardness.
In a surprising turn, the controversy also involved demands for the inclusion of Meiteis in the ST list, leading to opposing stances from various tribal bodies. The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, exacerbated by a Manipur High Court order in March 2023, has further complicated the situation, with nearly 200 casualties and thousands displaced.
As Manipur grapples with these complex issues, the state government’s approach has been met with skepticism, especially Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s reluctance to engage in dialogue between different tribes. The situation remains volatile, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting the outcome of the proposed committee’s deliberations and the potential repercussions on the social fabric of Manipur.