Growing Demand for Kuki Statehood in Divided Manipur

The demand for a separate state is gaining momentum among the Kuki tribe in Manipur, amidst ethnic violence that has divided the state on ethnic and geographic lines. The Meitei community, which dominates the valley and seeks Scheduled Tribe status, is strongly against any division of the state, while Kuki tribals living on hills are demanding a separate state as they feel it is the only solution. The violence that began in May has caused large-scale displacement of people from both regions, exacerbating the trust deficit between the communities. Ten MLAs belonging to Kuki tribals, including seven ruling BJP members, have demanded a separate administration equivalent to a separate state, accusing the majority Meitei community and the BJP-run state government of supporting the violence. The hill areas account for 90% of the state’s area and 10% of its population, while the valley occupies 10% of the land and has 40 Assembly seats out of a total of 60. The demand for a separate state in Manipur is significant as it was raised by the ruling party MLAs and their allies and may impact the entire northeastern region, where 27-28% of the population is tribal.