Seeing beyond conflict : Science as the third eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
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Dr Raj Singh
Introduction
Ethnic conflicts are often addressed through political and socio-political channels, with limited involvement from scientists, who are typically viewed as confined to their laboratories. This narrow perspective overlooks the critical role science can play in understanding and resolving such conflicts.
Scientific thinking differs from normal thinking in its approach to problem-solving and understanding the world. While normal thinking often relies on intuition, anecdotal evidence, and subjective judgment, scientific thinking is systematic, evidence-based, objective, and open to revision. By emphasizing a structured and rigorous process of inquiry, scientific thinking allows for a deeper, more accurate understanding of issues, which can lead to more reliable conclusions and lasting solutions.
This article advocates for the integration of scientific thinking into peace building efforts, emphasizing its potential to address the underlying complexities of ethnic conflicts like the ongoing Meitei-Kuki dispute.
Context of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict
The Meitei-Kuki conflict in the form of ethnic violence flared up on May 03, 2023. This led to internal displacement of more than 60,000 people–Meiteis from their homes in Kuki dominated areas in the hills and the Kukis from Imphal Valley. More than 250 people were killed, thousands of houses gutted, and countless public properties destroyed in the protracted chain of violence for months during which hardly any meaningful intervention either from the public or the Govt was seen about stopping the violence and peace process. The warring communities criticized Indian Government for its conspicuous quiescence, indifference and laisse faire attitudes towards the crisis resulting in the inaction of the huge deployment of security forces in the already heavily militarized State. The affected communities felt abandoned by both the State and the Central Govts to resolve the fight on their own.
Conflicts are common in multiethnic setting as that of Manipur especially when tribal communities are involved. Manipur has already witnessed violent conflicts between Naga and Kuki, Kuki and Paite tribes and Meitei and Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) during the recent three decades. Factors ascribable to the long standing mistrust and enmity between all these communities include the legacy of British colonial rule copied by the new Government of independent India, multiple insurgencies, misrule of the State by the corrupt and inexperienced local politicians after the merger of Manipur with India, competitions for scarce resources and opportunities etc. exacerbated by the new wave of identity politics exploited by geopolitics involving foreign countries and narco-terrorists.
The demands of Separate Administration by Kukis and Scheduled Tribe status by Meiteis make the situation nastier as these demands are perfidious in nature and they rock the very edifice of Manipuri civilization by undermining suzerainty of Meitei kings over hill tribes and Meitei civilizational status beyond stages of tribal and folk cultures in the two millennia old Manipur Kingdom. Both the demands are fallacies putting both the co- mmunities at loggerheads.
The above sojourn into an account of the present conflict establishes the complexity of the problem which demands involvement of scientists in solving it.
Rooms for S&T applications
It is not possible for this article to illustrate all applications of science and technology in ethnic conflict management. Never- theless, citing some success stories can guide us through our science-based approach.
1. Data-Driven Solutions: Conflict Mapping and Early Warning Systems Modern science provides significant tools to address ethnic conflict through data-driven analysis.
Application of Geographic Information Sys- tems (GIS) and satellite imagery helped international aid agencies and the Government by identifying con- flict hotspots, resource distribution and territorial dispute areas etc. for targeted interventions in resolving ethnic conflicts in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC) is already supplying relevant data in the present crisis in Manipur landuse and landcover data showing forest degradation, extent of illegal poppy cultivation etc.
Additionally, early warning systems powered by big data analytics—incorporating social media analysis, mobile phone data, and community reports—can help predict and prevent violence.
During Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, such systems effectively identified potential flash-points, enabling timely intervention. Similar tools could track inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech in Manipur, guiding authorities to prevent escalation.
2. Promoting Dialogue Through Technology and Education : A lack of communication channels be- tween the Meitei and Kuki communities perpetuates mistrust and animosity. Neutral platforms, facilitated by technology, can enable dialogue and mutual understanding.
In post-apartheid South Africa, digital platforms and community forums fostered intergroup dialogue, helping to rebuild trust. Adapting such strategies for Manipur could provide safe spaces for discussions, bridging cultural divides.
Education also plays a crucial role in fostering long-term peace. Integrating peace studies and intercul-tural communication into school curricula can nurture a generation equipped to navigate ethnic diversity and resolve conflicts. Rwanda’s post-genocide education programs demonstrate the transformative potential of peace education in healing divided societies.
3. Environmental and Resource Management : The unequal distribution of land in Manipur remains a contentious issue, with 90% of the State reserved for tribal populations, leaving the Meiteis concentrated in the valley’s limited 10%.
Scientific interventions in land use and resource management could address this imbalance, turning underutilized hill areas into productive, sustainable spaces. Active involvement of the universities, Government departments and Insti- tute of Bioresources and Sustainable development (IBSD) can introduce silvi-pastoral and agri-horti- cultural farming on the hills with remunerative crops to discourage the widespread poppy cultivation on the hills of Manipur.
Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) initiatives have proven effective in fostering cooperation among diverse groups. For instance, community forestry projects in Rajasthan and joint water management programs in Ethiopia have demonstrated how shared resource governance can reduce tensions and promote collaboration.
4. In governance : District boundaries in Manipur particularly in the hills are very anomalous causing administrative inconveniences and ghettoization of ethnic groups. District boundaries cannot go according to ethnic or linguistic conside- rations. Application of S&T like GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS and other survey tools can help the Government to introduce use of neutral geographic markers like geo-coordinates (latitude, longitude), mountains, watersheds and rivers etc. to determine district boundaries in Manipur. The district names will also go neutral like, Manipur Central District, Manipur East, Manipur West, Manipur South and Manipur North with further breakdowns if required. This will stop ethnic-based land disputes, area domination competitions, ghetto- ization and homeland creation aspirations etc. People of different ethnic denominations will start co- existence within the district bounded by neutral geo-markers. If such an approach may sound too arbitrary, hybrid approach may also be adopted with adequate public consultation. Science can help demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach.
5. Psychological and Sociological Interventions : Ethnic conflict leaves profound psychological scars, hindering reconciliation. Social and psychological sciences can aid healing through acknowledgment, empathy, and collaborative efforts.
South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) serves as a model for addressing collective trauma. By creating a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their experiences, the TRC promoted National healing and mutual understanding.
Positive intergroup interactions are also essential. Research shows that sustained contact in coope- rative settings can reduce stereotypes and foster trust. In Manipur, initiatives promoting collaborative pro- jects between Meitei and tribal communities could break down barriers of mistrust.
Epilogue: A Call for Collective Action
The people of Manipur (tribes and non tribes), positioned at the crossroads of political India and cultural Asia, must recognize their shared identity and interdependence. Internal divisions make communities vulnerable to external manipu- lation and marginalization, reducing their collective value and agency.
As India advances as a global power, the socio-political dynamics in its North Eastern fringes will become increasingly complex. A divided Manipur risks becoming a pawn in larger geopolitical games. To avoid this fate, mutual trust, unity, and scientific collaboration are essential.
The aspirations fueling the current conflict may be rooted in misconceptions. It is crucial to identify and prioritize shared needs–my needs, your needs, and our common needs, fostering coexistence through evidence-based solutions and mutual respect. Our common needs are there to sustain our coexistence and provide our future.
Conclusion
The Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict in Manipur is a complex issue, deeply rooted in history and shaped by economic, political, and cultural divides. However, science offers a range of innovative solutions that can help resolve the conflict and promote long-term peace. Data analytics, early warning systems, environmental management, and psychological interventions all provide tools for reducing tensions and fostering cooperation between the two communities.
By leveraging these scientific approaches, it is possible to address the underlying causes of the conflict, promote mutual understanding, and pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious future for both the Meitei, Kuki and other tribes in Manipur.
PS: This article has been adapted from a paper by the same author submitted to Manipur Science Congress, December 2024.
The author is a Manipuri expat settled in Canada. He can be reached at [email protected].
Introduction
Ethnic conflicts are often addressed through political and socio-political channels, with limited involvement from scientists, who are typically viewed as confined to their laboratories. This narrow perspective overlooks the critical role science can play in understanding and resolving such conflicts.
Scientific thinking differs from normal thinking in its approach to problem-solving and understanding the world. While normal thinking often relies on intuition, anecdotal evidence, and subjective judgment, scientific thinking is systematic, evidence-based, objective, and open to revision. By emphasizing a structured and rigorous process of inquiry, scientific thinking allows for a deeper, more accurate understanding of issues, which can lead to more reliable conclusions and lasting solutions.
This article advocates for the integration of scientific thinking into peace building efforts, emphasizing its potential to address the underlying complexities of ethnic conflicts like the ongoing Meitei-Kuki dispute.
Context of the Meitei-Kuki Conflict
The Meitei-Kuki conflict in the form of ethnic violence flared up on May 03, 2023. This led to internal displacement of more than 60,000 people–Meiteis from their homes in Kuki dominated areas in the hills and the Kukis from Imphal Valley. More than 250 people were killed, thousands of houses gutted, and countless public properties destroyed in the protracted chain of violence for months during which hardly any meaningful intervention either from the public or the Govt was seen about stopping the violence and peace process. The warring communities criticized Indian Government for its conspicuous quiescence, indifference and laisse faire attitudes towards the crisis resulting in the inaction of the huge deployment of security forces in the already heavily militarized State. The affected communities felt abandoned by both the State and the Central Govts to resolve the fight on their own.
Conflicts are common in multiethnic setting as that of Manipur especially when tribal communities are involved. Manipur has already witnessed violent conflicts between Naga and Kuki, Kuki and Paite tribes and Meitei and Meitei Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) during the recent three decades. Factors ascribable to the long standing mistrust and enmity between all these communities include the legacy of British colonial rule copied by the new Government of independent India, multiple insurgencies, misrule of the State by the corrupt and inexperienced local politicians after the merger of Manipur with India, competitions for scarce resources and opportunities etc. exacerbated by the new wave of identity politics exploited by geopolitics involving foreign countries and narco-terrorists.
The demands of Separate Administration by Kukis and Scheduled Tribe status by Meiteis make the situation nastier as these demands are perfidious in nature and they rock the very edifice of Manipuri civilization by undermining suzerainty of Meitei kings over hill tribes and Meitei civilizational status beyond stages of tribal and folk cultures in the two millennia old Manipur Kingdom. Both the demands are fallacies putting both the co- mmunities at loggerheads.
The above sojourn into an account of the present conflict establishes the complexity of the problem which demands involvement of scientists in solving it.
Rooms for S&T applications
It is not possible for this article to illustrate all applications of science and technology in ethnic conflict management. Never- theless, citing some success stories can guide us through our science-based approach.
1. Data-Driven Solutions: Conflict Mapping and Early Warning Systems Modern science provides significant tools to address ethnic conflict through data-driven analysis.
Application of Geographic Information Sys- tems (GIS) and satellite imagery helped international aid agencies and the Government by identifying con- flict hotspots, resource distribution and territorial dispute areas etc. for targeted interventions in resolving ethnic conflicts in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC) is already supplying relevant data in the present crisis in Manipur landuse and landcover data showing forest degradation, extent of illegal poppy cultivation etc.
Additionally, early warning systems powered by big data analytics—incorporating social media analysis, mobile phone data, and community reports—can help predict and prevent violence.
During Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, such systems effectively identified potential flash-points, enabling timely intervention. Similar tools could track inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech in Manipur, guiding authorities to prevent escalation.
2. Promoting Dialogue Through Technology and Education : A lack of communication channels be- tween the Meitei and Kuki communities perpetuates mistrust and animosity. Neutral platforms, facilitated by technology, can enable dialogue and mutual understanding.
In post-apartheid South Africa, digital platforms and community forums fostered intergroup dialogue, helping to rebuild trust. Adapting such strategies for Manipur could provide safe spaces for discussions, bridging cultural divides.
Education also plays a crucial role in fostering long-term peace. Integrating peace studies and intercul-tural communication into school curricula can nurture a generation equipped to navigate ethnic diversity and resolve conflicts. Rwanda’s post-genocide education programs demonstrate the transformative potential of peace education in healing divided societies.
3. Environmental and Resource Management : The unequal distribution of land in Manipur remains a contentious issue, with 90% of the State reserved for tribal populations, leaving the Meiteis concentrated in the valley’s limited 10%.
Scientific interventions in land use and resource management could address this imbalance, turning underutilized hill areas into productive, sustainable spaces. Active involvement of the universities, Government departments and Insti- tute of Bioresources and Sustainable development (IBSD) can introduce silvi-pastoral and agri-horti- cultural farming on the hills with remunerative crops to discourage the widespread poppy cultivation on the hills of Manipur.
Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) initiatives have proven effective in fostering cooperation among diverse groups. For instance, community forestry projects in Rajasthan and joint water management programs in Ethiopia have demonstrated how shared resource governance can reduce tensions and promote collaboration.
4. In governance : District boundaries in Manipur particularly in the hills are very anomalous causing administrative inconveniences and ghettoization of ethnic groups. District boundaries cannot go according to ethnic or linguistic conside- rations. Application of S&T like GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS and other survey tools can help the Government to introduce use of neutral geographic markers like geo-coordinates (latitude, longitude), mountains, watersheds and rivers etc. to determine district boundaries in Manipur. The district names will also go neutral like, Manipur Central District, Manipur East, Manipur West, Manipur South and Manipur North with further breakdowns if required. This will stop ethnic-based land disputes, area domination competitions, ghetto- ization and homeland creation aspirations etc. People of different ethnic denominations will start co- existence within the district bounded by neutral geo-markers. If such an approach may sound too arbitrary, hybrid approach may also be adopted with adequate public consultation. Science can help demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach.
5. Psychological and Sociological Interventions : Ethnic conflict leaves profound psychological scars, hindering reconciliation. Social and psychological sciences can aid healing through acknowledgment, empathy, and collaborative efforts.
South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) serves as a model for addressing collective trauma. By creating a platform for victims and perpetrators to share their experiences, the TRC promoted National healing and mutual understanding.
Positive intergroup interactions are also essential. Research shows that sustained contact in coope- rative settings can reduce stereotypes and foster trust. In Manipur, initiatives promoting collaborative pro- jects between Meitei and tribal communities could break down barriers of mistrust.
Epilogue: A Call for Collective Action
The people of Manipur (tribes and non tribes), positioned at the crossroads of political India and cultural Asia, must recognize their shared identity and interdependence. Internal divisions make communities vulnerable to external manipu- lation and marginalization, reducing their collective value and agency.
As India advances as a global power, the socio-political dynamics in its North Eastern fringes will become increasingly complex. A divided Manipur risks becoming a pawn in larger geopolitical games. To avoid this fate, mutual trust, unity, and scientific collaboration are essential.
The aspirations fueling the current conflict may be rooted in misconceptions. It is crucial to identify and prioritize shared needs–my needs, your needs, and our common needs, fostering coexistence through evidence-based solutions and mutual respect. Our common needs are there to sustain our coexistence and provide our future.
Conclusion
The Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict in Manipur is a complex issue, deeply rooted in history and shaped by economic, political, and cultural divides. However, science offers a range of innovative solutions that can help resolve the conflict and promote long-term peace. Data analytics, early warning systems, environmental management, and psychological interventions all provide tools for reducing tensions and fostering cooperation between the two communities.
By leveraging these scientific approaches, it is possible to address the underlying causes of the conflict, promote mutual understanding, and pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious future for both the Meitei, Kuki and other tribes in Manipur.
PS: This article has been adapted from a paper by the same author submitted to Manipur Science Congress, December 2024.
The author is a Manipuri expat settled in Canada. He can be reached at [email protected].