Ethnic Stereotypes of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict in Manipur

International Journal of Communication and Media Science
© 2024 by SSRG - IJCMS Journal
Volume 11 Issue 2
Year of Publication : 2024
Authors : N. Pautunthang
pdf
How to Cite?

N. Pautunthang, "Ethnic Stereotypes of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict in Manipur," SSRG International Journal of Communication and Media Science, vol. 11,  no. 2, pp. 1-8, 2024. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/2349641X/IJCMS-V11I2P101

Abstract:

This paper examines the ongoing Meitei-Kuki clash in Manipur, focusing on the popular media portrayal of poppy cultivation, forest encroachment, illegal immigration, accusations of narco-terrorism and derogatory remarks. The study highlights the complexities surrounding these issues by analysing media reports, government notifications, and community press releases. Results underscore the crucial role of government neutrality in creating an environment conducive to dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful resolution of grievances. By refraining from taking sides and actively promoting inclusive approaches to conflict resolution, the government can mitigate the risk of further escalation and promote long-term peace and stability in Manipur. The paper concludes by emphasising the importance of government neutrality as a foundational principle for building trust, fostering cooperation, and addressing the root causes of the Meitei-Kuki clash.

Keywords:

Manipur, Poppy cultivation, Illegal immigration, Narco-Terrorism, Derogatory remarks.

References:

[1] 2023-2024 Manipur Violence, Wikipedia, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2023%E2%80%932024_Manipur_violence&oldid=1198232014
[2] Report of the Fact-Finding Mission on Media’s Reportage of the Ethnic Violence in Manipur, Editor’s Guild of India, pp. 1-24, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://editorsguild.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EGI-report-on-Manipur.pdf
[3] CM, N. Biren Singh Issues a Strong Warning Against Poppy Planters, Manipur MyGov, 2022. Available: [Online]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mV9SBvAOUA
[4] Kaushik Deka, Poppy Cultivation, Eviction Drives, Illegal Influx, Old Scars-Why Manipur is Burning, India Today, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/poppy-cultivation-eviction-drives-illegal-influx-old-scars-why-manipur-is-burning-2369831-2023-05-05
[5] Pushpita Das, “The Unfolding Kuki-Meitei Conflict in Manipur,” Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, pp. 1-12, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Esha Roy, Pressure from Manipur CM Biren Singh to Drop Drugs Case: Cop to Court, The Indian Express, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/manipur/pressure-from-manipur-cm-biren-singh-to-drop-drugs-case-cop-to-court-6509596/
[7] Yambem Laba, and Paojel Chaoba, Aus National Arrested in Mumbai with 1.8 Cr of LSD Had Met with Manipur CM: Report, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://thewire.in/government/aus-national-arrested-in-mumbai-with-1-8-cr-of-lsd-had-met-with-manipur-cm-report
[8] Uripok AC MLA Writes to Amit Shah, The Sangai Express, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/5/20/Imphal-May-19-BJP-MLA-Kh-Raghumani-has-written-to-Union-Home-Minister-Amit-Shah-seeking-speedy-act.html#/google_vignette
[9] The Inevitable Split, vol. I, Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) and Kuki Students Organization (KSO) at Lamka. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://namta.us/the-inevitable-split-full-publication/
[10] Signe Leth, Understanding the Complex Conflict Unfolding in Manipur, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.iwgia.org/en/news/5329-understanding-complex-conflict-unfolding-manipur.html
[11] Lien Chongloi, Dispelling Some Misleading Claims About the Violence in Manipur, The WIRE, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://thewire.in/politics/manipur-violence-claims-counterclaims-meitei-kuki
[12] Sira Kharay, Tribal Land Rights: No Khas Land in the Hill Areas of Manipur, The Frontier Manipur, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://thefrontiermanipur.com/tribal-land-rights-no-khas-land-in-the-hill-areas-of-manipur/
[13] Bikash Singh, Myanmar Immigrants Responsible for Deforestation, Poppy Cultivation, Drug Menace in Manipur: N Biren Singh, The Economic Times, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/myanmar-immigrants-responsible-for-deforestation-poppy-cultivation-drug-menace-in-manipur-n-biren-singh/articleshow/99940729.cms
[14] Manipur is Not Kashmir: Biren Singh, Manipur CM at India Today Conclave East, India Today Conclave, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asNZqBS655s
[15] Tora Agarwala, and Jimmy Leivon, Why Manipur Govt Withdrew from an SoO Agreement with Two Tribal Insurgent Groups, The Indian Express, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/soo-agreement-kuki-tribal-manipur-bjp-8493734/
[16] Prabin Kalita, Manipur Violence: Won’t Surrender Arms, Allow Combing Operations, Say Imphal Groups, The Times of India, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/wont-surrender-arms-allow-combing-operations-imphal-groups/articleshow/100834891.cms
[17] Vijaita Singh, Kuki Groups in Manipur Deny Violation of Ground Rules under Suspension of Operations Pact, The Hindu, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kuki-groups-deny-violation-of-ground-rules-under-soo-pact/article66920407.ece
[18] Greeshnma Kuthar, No End to Deadly Violence in India's Ethnically-Divided Manipur, Al Jazeera, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/10/no-end-to-deadly-violence-in-indias-ethnically-divided-manipur
[19] Leishipem Khamrang, “Manipur Mayhem: A Latent Enmity, Generalized Violence and State’s Apathy,” Journal of Management and Public Policy, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 4-15, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Douminlien Haokip, When Truth is the Casualty: Meitei’s Disapproval of EGI Report, The Hills Journal, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://thehillsjournal.com/when-truth-is-the-casualty-meiteis-disapproval-of-egi-report/
[21] TNM Staff, FIR Against Editors Guild Team over Report on Media Coverage of Manipur Violence, The News Minute, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/fir-against-editors-guild-team-over-report-media-coverage-manipur-violence-181895
[22] Amit Bansal, Narco-Terrorism, Politics, Extremism: Pillars of Systematic Violence against Kukis in Manipur, DNA India, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-narco-terrorism-politics-extremist-groups-7-pillars-of-manipur-violence-against-kukis-3049897
[23] Sukrita Baruah, ‘More Like an Abduction’: Last Kuki-Zomis in Imphal Locality Say Forced to Evacuate, The Indian Express, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/more-like-an-abduction-last-kuki-zomis-in-imphal-locality-say-forced-to-evacuate-8922827/
[24] Abhinay Lakshman, Manipur High Court Directs State to Consider Inclusion of Meitei Community in Scheduled Tribes List, The Hindu, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/manipur-high-court-directs-state-to-consider-inclusion-of-meitei-community-in-scheduled-tribes-list/article66756719.ece
[25] K.S. Vangamla Salle, Manipur: Thousands Participate in Tribal Solidarity March in Hills, EastMojo, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2023/05/03/thousands-participate-in-tribal-solidarity-march-in-manipur/
[26] The Hindu Bureau, Manipur Marginally Lifts Internet Curbs; Ban On Mobile Data Continues, The Hindu, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/manipur-partially-withdraws-ban-on-broadband-mobile-internet-remains-suspended/article67119748.ece
[27] Meitei ‘Pride’ Group’s Threat-‘Kukis Mainly Illegal, Modi Must Intervene or There’ll be Civil War’, The Wire, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDJnPewUhmU