Two analyses on Manipur

Source: The post is based on the article “Two analyses on Manipur. The first explains why ST status for Meiteis is problematic for a number of reasons. The second details the gender dimension of the escalating ethnic violence” published in The Times of India on 22nd July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. & GS 3- Internal security

What is Manipur High Court’s ruling on Meitei community’s tribal status?

The Manipur High Court directed the state government to evaluate the Meitei community for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list.

The directive was issued on March 27, specifying that the evaluation should preferably be done within four weeks of the date of the order.

The High Court’s decision missed out on the detailed process for recognizing a group as a Scheduled Tribe.

What are the Implications of recognition of schedule tribal status?

Job Reservations: Recognized tribes benefit from job reservations, influencing the power dynamics in governance.

Land Rights: In Manipur, special laws can prevent non-tribal communities from procuring tribal land, safeguarding tribal territories.

Legal Protections: Tribes can invoke the Prevention of Atrocities Act, providing added legal safeguards.

Economic Benefits: Tribes in Manipur get income tax exemptions as per Section 10 (26) of the Income Tax Act for income earned within the state.

What is the legal process for recognizing tribes?

Initial Recommendation: The first step involves the state government or Union Territory recommending a community for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list. For Manipur, consent from the Hill Areas Committee is also needed due to Article 371 (C) of the Constitution.

Verification by the Registrar General: Once the state makes a recommendation, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, under the Union home ministry, examines the proposal.

Assessment by NCST: After the state and Registrar General provide their recommendations, the proposal reaches the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST), for technical assessment. NCST is the constitutional body created under Article 338A. The NCST forms a panel of experts from various fields like anthropology and ethnography to evaluate the recommendation.

Final Approval: If NCST agrees with the recommendations, the matter proceeds to the Cabinet and then to Parliament for finalizing the amendment order.

What does the Lokur Report say about the Meiteis tribe?

The Lokur Committee was formed in 1965 to review the inclusion or exclusion of communities in the scheduled tribes list.

The committee recognized tribes specific to geographical areas.

For Manipur, the committee recommended tribes like the Khonjai (Kukis with sub-tribes), Nagas (with sub-tribes), Marings, and Mizos as scheduled tribes.

The Meiteis were notably absent; they weren’t mentioned as a scheduled tribe in Manipur or any other state.

What are the issues faced by women in Manipur’s conflict zones?

Violence and Assault: Disturbing videos have surfaced showing women being paraded and assaulted by mobs.

Use as Political Tools: Women’s bodies are used to assert power and mark political boundaries. They’re often reduced to symbols for different agendas.

Inconsistent Responses to Crimes: Reactions to assaults vary based on community biases. For instance, The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) reacted differently to two separate assault incidents.

Lack of Justice: Many crimes against women go unaddressed. For example, after a video of an assault went viral, only four culprits were arrested, leaving many still at large.

What should be done?

Re-evaluate the Manipur High Court’s ruling: Ensure proper legal procedures are followed for recognizing tribes.

Strengthen Justice System in Manipur: Ensure timely registration of FIRs and swift legal actions against culprits.

Enhance Women’s Protection: Address assaults on women in conflict zones with urgency.

Promote Transparency: Publicize the legal process for recognizing tribes to avoid misunderstandings.