KUKI TRIBE

2. Who are Kukis?

3. Which are the major communities residing in Manipur?

The major communities residing in Manipur are:

Meiteis

• The Meiteis, also known as Manipuris, are the largest and dominant ethnic group in Manipur, constituting around 53% of the state's population.
• They primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, the central valley region of Manipur.
• Their language, Meitei (officially called Manipuri), is the sole official language of the state and one of the 22 official languages of India.
• The Meiteis have a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions, dance forms like Manipuri Raas Leela and various festivals, including Yaoshang and Kang Chingba.
• The majority of Meiteis follow Hinduism, with a mix of indigenous beliefs. The cultural identity of Meiteis has played a significant role in shaping the history and politics of Manipur.

Naga Tribes

• Various Naga tribes collectively form the second-largest community in Manipur, representing about 24% of the population.
• Some prominent Naga tribes include Tangkhul, Mao, Maram, Zeme, and Kabui.
• They primarily reside in the northern hilly regions of Manipur.
• Each Naga tribe has its own distinct language and culture, with rich traditions, festivals, and attire.
• Their villages are spread across the hills, and each tribe has its own traditional governance system.

Kuki/Zo Tribes

• The Kuki/Zo tribes are the third largest community in Manipur, constituting about 16% of the population.
• Some prominent Kuki/Zo tribes include Thadou, Gangte, Hmar, Paite, and Simte.
• They primarily reside in the southern hilly regions of Manipur.
• Similar to the Naga tribes, each Kuki/Zo tribe has its own distinct language, culture, and traditions.
• While some Kuki groups follow traditional indigenous religions, a significant number have adopted Christianity, introduced by missionaries during the British colonial period.

• Pangals (Manipuri Muslims): The Pangals are Meiteis who converted to Islam, forming the Muslim community in Manipur. They have a unique cultural identity that combines elements of Meitei culture with Islamic traditions. Pangals are spread across the state, and they have contributed to the socio-cultural fabric of Manipur.
• Mizos: While the majority of Mizos reside in the neighbouring state of Mizoram, there is a Mizo population in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. They are part of the larger Mizo community.
• Monsangs (Monsang Naga): The Monsangs are a Naga tribe residing in the northeastern part of Manipur, particularly in Tamenglong district. They have their distinct language and cultural practices.
• Zeliangrongs (Zeliangrong Naga): The Zeliangrongs are a Naga tribe comprising three major communities: Zeme, Liangmei, and Rongmei. They mainly inhabit the hills of Tamenglong district.
• Kom/Komrem: The Kom people are one of the indigenous communities in Manipur, residing primarily in the northeastern part of the state.
• Mao (Mao Naga): The Mao Naga community is one of the Naga tribes in Manipur, with a significant population in the Senapati district.
• Gangtes: The Gangte community is a Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic group residing in the hills of Manipur.
• Hmars: The Hmars are a Kuki-Chin-Mizo ethnic group with a presence in Manipur, especially in the Churachandpur district.

4. Reasons for the Meitei community wants ST status

The Meitei community, the dominant group in Manipur, has been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for over a decade. Several factors contribute to this demand, and the debate surrounding it is complex and multi-faceted. 

Historical Factors

• The Meiteis argue that they were historically recognized as a tribe by the British during colonial rule. Some historical documents indicate the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of "semi-Hinduized tribes" or "hill tribes." However, others assert that they were classified as a caste or a martial race depending on context.
• They claim that after the merger of Manipur with India in 1949, they lost their tribal status and the associated benefits, such as reservations in education and government jobs. This, they argue, led to their marginalization compared to other ST communities.

Socio-Economic Conditions

• The Meiteis argue that despite being the largest ethnic group, they lag behind other ST communities in terms of socio-economic development. They face issues like poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare.
• Some Meiteis, particularly those residing in the hills, feel they are disadvantaged in terms of land ownership compared to other tribes. They believe ST status would enable them to better protect their ancestral land rights.

Cultural Preservation: The Meiteis argue that their culture, language (Manipuri), and traditions are distinct from those of other communities in Manipur. They believe ST status would provide them with constitutional safeguards to preserve their unique identity and heritage.

5. Reasons for the Kuki group opposing

The issue of Meiteis seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Manipur is intricately woven with opposition from the Kuki community, primarily comprised of various Kuki-Zo tribes. Here are some key reasons behind their resistance:

• Kukis fear that granting ST status to the Meiteis, who already constitute a dominant majority, could dilute the existing benefits and resources allocated to their own community. This includes reservations in education, government jobs, and other opportunities reserved for ST communities.
• Many Kukis believe that Meiteis, with their historical and political prominence, may not meet the true criteria for ST status based on socio-economic backwardness compared to other marginalized tribal groups. They worry that granting them similar benefits could create an unfair advantage and disrupt the existing balance of power and resources among various communities in Manipur.
• Complex historical relationships between the Meiteis and some Kuki tribes continue to influence the present. Past conflicts and land disputes have left scars, and granting ST status to the Meiteis could be perceived as further empowering them at the expense of Kuki communities.
• While Meiteis emphasize their historical tribal recognition and claim marginalization after losing ST status, Kukis often assert that Meiteis were never truly tribals and enjoyed advantages throughout history. This clashing of narratives makes it difficult to find common ground and fuels further scepticism toward the Meiteis' claims.
• The issue has become politicized, with various political parties aligning with different communities based on their constituencies. This politicization further complicates the debate and may prioritize political gains over objective considerations.
• Some Kukis express concern that granting ST status to Meiteis might lead to a homogenization of tribal identity and culture in Manipur. They fear that their own unique tribal identity and customs could be overshadowed by the larger Meitei community.
• For some Kuki groups residing in the hills, granting ST status to Meiteis might create potential conflicts over land ownership and ancestral rights. They worry that Meiteis could gain legal advantages concerning land claims in tribal areas.

6. The Way Forward

The debate surrounding Meiteis' ST status is complex, with valid concerns and historical considerations on both sides. Finding a solution requires understanding these complexities, fostering open dialogue, and prioritizing the well-being of all communities while ensuring social justice and upholding constitutional principles.

Source: The Indian Express