The Manipur issue is a complex topic involving ethnic conflicts, political tensions, and socio-economic challenges in the NE state of Manipur. Here's a structured explanation in a question-answer format:
A1: The Manipur problem primarily revolves around ethnic tensions and conflicts between various communities in the state, notably between the Meiteis, who are predominantly Hindu and primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis and Nagas, who are mostly Christian and live in the hill districts. The tensions often manifest in disputes over political representation, land rights, and socio-economic development.
Q2: What historical factors have contributed to the Manipur problem?
A2: Historical factors include:
- Colonial Legacy: The British colonial administration's policies, such as the division of Manipur into the valley and hill districts, sowed seeds of division.
- Post-Independence Changes: The integration of Manipur into India in 1949 and subsequent political decisions created feelings of marginalization among various ethnic groups.
- Insurgency: The rise of insurgent groups, both ethnic and political, has exacerbated the conflict, with demands ranging from autonomy to complete independence.
Q3: What are the main ethnic groups involved in the conflict?
A3: The main ethnic groups involved are:
- Meiteis: Primarily reside in the Imphal Valley and are the majority community.
- Kukis: Live mainly in the southern and eastern hill districts.
- Nagais: Found in the northern hill districts and have cultural and historical ties with the Naga people in neighboring states.
Q4: What are the key issues causing conflict among these groups?
A4: Key issues include:
- Land Ownership and Land Rights: Disputes over land between the valley and hill residents.
- Political Representation: Controversies over electoral and administrative representation and autonomy.
- Economic Development: Unequal distribution of resources and development projects.
- Cultural and Identity Issues: Protection of ethnic identities and traditions.
Q5: What has been the impact of the conflict on the people of Manipur?
A5: The impact includes:
- Violence and Displacement: Frequent clashes and violence leading to casualties and displacement of people.
- Economic Disruption: Hindrance to economic activities and development due to ongoing unrest.
- Social Strain: Increased social tensions and mistrust among communities.
- Human Rights Issues: Allegations of human rights abuses and lack of adequate security for affected communities.
Q6: What is the current situation in Manipur as of 2024?
A6: As of 2024, the situation in Manipur remains tense:
- Ongoing Conflicts: Sporadic violence and clashes continue, with both ethnic and insurgent groups involved.
- Government Response: Efforts by the state and central governments to address the issues include peace talks and development initiatives, but solutions have been limited in effectiveness.
- Humanitarian Concerns: There are ongoing humanitarian concerns, including the need for adequate support for displaced persons and victims of violence.
- Political Developments: There have been various political and administrative measures to address grievances, but achieving long-term peace and stability remains challenging.
A7: Efforts include:
- Dialogue and Negotiations: The government has engaged in dialogue with various ethnic groups and insurgent factions to address their concerns.
- Development Projects: Initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and economic opportunities in conflict-affected areas.
- Security Measures: Increased security presence to curb violence and protect affected communities.
- Legal and Administrative Reforms: Proposals for reforms to address land rights, political representation, and other contentious issues.
Resolving the Manipur problem requires a multifaceted approach that addresses historical grievances, fosters mutual understanding, and promotes inclusive development.
Districts in Manipur
- Bishnupur
- Chandel
- Churachandpur
- Imphal-East
- Imphal-West
- Senapati
- Tamenglong
- Thoubal
- Ukhrul
- Kangpokpi
- Tengnoupal
- Pherzawl
- Noney
- Kamjong
- Jiribam
- Kakching
ART AND CULTURE
| Its own art-forms and cultural expressions and ramifications distinctly showcase Manipur to the World. Its famous classical dance remains unique in all Manipuri dance forms whether it’s folk, classical or modern and has a different style and gesture of movement. Love of art and beauty is inherent in the people and it is difficult to find a Manipuri girl who cannot sing or dance. Manipuris are artistic and creative by nature. This has found expression in their handloom and handicraft products, which are world-famous for their designs, ingenuity, colorfulness and usefulness. Each ethnic group has its own distinct culture and tradition deeply embedded in its dances, music, customary practices and pastimes. | |
|---|---|
 | Ras Lila:-The Ras lila, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna as has been described in the Hindu scriptures and reveals the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopies’ devotion to the Lord. It is generally performed in an enclosure in front of the temple throughout the night and watched with a deep sense of devotion. Ras performances are seasonal and varied and performed at the temple of Shree Shree Govindajee in Imphal on the nights of Basanta Purnima, Sarada Purnima and Kartik Purnima and at local temples later. As to the composition, the performance is a combination of solo, duet and group dances. This highly stylised form of dance has sublimity, subtlety and grace. The richness of the costumes gives lustre to the beauty of the art. |
| Nupa Pala:-Nupa Pala which is otherwise known as Kartal Cholom or Cymbal Dance is a characteristic of the Manipuri style of dance and music. The initial movements of this dance are soft and serene , gradually gathering momentum. It is a group performance of male partners, using cymbals and wearing snow white ball-shaped large turbans, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of Mridanga, an ancient classical drum “Pung” as it is called in Manipuri. The Nupa Pala acts as a prologue to the Ras Lila dances, besides an independent performance too, in connection with religious rites. | |
 | Pung Cholom:-Pung or Manipuri Mridanga is the soul of Manipuri Sankritana music and Classical Manipuri Dance. It assumes an important ritual character, an indispensable part of all social and devotional ceremonies in Manipur,-the instrument itself becoming an object of veneration. Pung Cholom is performed as an invocatory number preceding the Sankirtana and Ras Lila. It is highly refined classical dance number characterised by the modulation of sound from soft whisper to a thunderous climax. There is the interplay of intricate rhythms and cross rhythms with varying markings of time from the slow to the quick with graceful and vigorous body movements leading to ecastic heights. |
 | Maibi Dance:-During the festival of Lai-Haraoba which is an annual ritual festival of the Meiteis, the inhabitants of the valley of Manipur, the Maibis, the priestesses considered to be spritural mediums, trace through their dances the whole concept of cosmogony of the Meitei people and describe their way of life. Beginning with the process of creation, they show the construction of houses and various occupations of the people to sustain themselves. It is a kind of re-living of the way of life of the past. |
| Khamba Thoibi Dance:-Khamba Thoibi dance is a duet of male and female partners, a dance of dedication to the sylvan deity, Thangjing of Moirang , is the depiction of the dance performed by Khamba and Thoibi, the hero and heroine of the Moirang episode of the hoary past. This, with the “Maibi” dance (Priestess dance) , the “Leima Jagoi” etc. form the “Laiharaoba” dance. The “Laiharaoba” dance , in many ways, is the fountainhead of the modern Manipuri dance form.This dance is a part and parcel of Moirang Lai-Haraoba. It is belived that the legendary hero – Khamba and heroin – Thoibi danced together before the Lord Thangjing, a celebrated deity of Moirang, a village in the South-West of Manipur which is known for its rich cultural traditions, for peace and prosperity of the land. | |
Manipur At a Glance
Manipur literally meaning “A jeweled land” nestle deep within a lush green corner of North East India. It seems much like an exquisite work of art executed by superb hands of Nature and is indeed a state of exquisite natural beauty and splendors, the beauty of which once inspired Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood described it as “A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world” Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru paid a fitting tribute by describing it as “Jewel of India”.
Surrounded by blue hills with an oval shaped valley at the centre, rich in art and tradition and surcharged with nature’s pristine glory. Manipur lies on a melting pot of culture. It is birth place of Polo. This is the place where Rajashree Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the grace of Lord Krishna.
Her folk dances reveal the mythological concept of creation of Manipur.
Having a varied and proud history from the earliest times, Manipur came under the British Rule as a Princely State after the defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. After independence of India in 1947, the Princely State of Manipur was merged in the Indian Union on October 15,1949 and became a full-fledged State of India on the 21th January, 1972 with a Legislative Assembly of 60 seats of which 20 are reserved for Scheduled Tribe and 1 reserved for Scheduled Caste. The State is represented in the Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in the Rajya Sabha.
MANIPUR AT A GLANCE
| Particulars | Data |
|---|---|
| Area | 22327 sq.km |
| Population | 27,21,756 |
| Capital | Imphal |
| State Language | Manipuri |
| State Emblem | Kangla Shaa |
| State Bird | Nongyeen |
| State Animal | Sangai |
| State Game | Manipuri Polo |
| State Flower | Siroi Lily |
| Density of population (per Sq Km.) | 82 |
| Literacy Rate (Male) | 86.5% |
| Literacy Rate (Female) | 73.2% |
| Altitude | 790 mtrs. above MSL (Imphal) |
| Latitude | 23.830N to 25.680N |
| Longitude | 93.030E to 94.780E |
| Rainfall | 1467.5 mm (Avg.) |
| Rainy Season | May to October |
| Schedule Tribes | 33 (Recongised by Government) |
| Assembly Constituencies | 60 (40 General, 19 ST, 1 SC) |
| Parliamentary Constituencies | 2 (One for Inner and One for Outer) |
| National Highways | 3 (39-Indo-Myanmar road, 53-New Cachar Road, 150-Jessami-Tipaimukh Road) |
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