Land Of Quotas Manipur is another example of agitation stemming from shrinking land holdings & few regular jobs

Source: The post is based on the article “Land Of Quotas – Manipur is another example of agitation stemming from shrinking land holdings & few regular jobs” published in The Times of India on 9th May 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Security challenges and their management in border areas.

Relevance: About the unrest in Manipur.

News: Manipur’s violence between Meiteis and Kukis has been brought under control.

What are the reasons behind the unrest in Manipur?

Friction between different ethnic groups has roots in Manipur’s geography and culture. But this time, an emerging structural economic problem appears to be in the forefront. Such as,

The powers of Autonomous Hill Councils: The state has a separate judicial and governance system for the tribal hill areas, which are controlled by Autonomous Hill Councils. These councils are authorised to manage and transfer property.

Lack of employment opportunities: In Imphal Valley, rising population pressure and inadequate economic opportunities created the conditions for Meitei groups to ask for reclassification as Scheduled Tribes.

Note: Forests cover a little over 75% of Manipur. Across that area, hill tribes practise shifting cultivation.

In Manipur, 42% of the total households are in agriculture. According to the employment annual report of 2021-22 data, 60% of Manipur’s households are categorised as self-employed. This proportion is higher than the national average of 54%.

Both the population pressure on the limited cultivated areas and the lack of employment alternatives have been the reason behind the present demand for the recent tussle.

What will be the impact of Manipur unrest on regional security?