APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 04/04/2025

Model answer

(15 marks, 250 words)

Introduction (2 lines)

The recurring ethnic clashes in Manipur serve as a stark reminder that peace in India’s Northeast remains fragile. These conflicts are not isolated but rooted in history, identity, and a complex web of political and security challenges.

Body

1. Understanding the Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

• Historical Rivalries: Between Meiteis (valley) and hill tribes like Kukis and Nagas over land, identity, and autonomy.
• Demographic Pressures: Allegations of illegal immigration (esp. Kukis from Myanmar) exacerbating tensions.
• Land Rights Issues: Reserved Forest demarcations, eviction drives, and claims of encroachment intensified divisions.

2. Limitations of the Internal Security Framework

• Delayed Response: Central and state forces failed to prevent escalation in May 2023 (Manipur Violence Report, NHRC).
• Overreliance on AFSPA: Military approach undermined local trust and aggravated alienation.
• Weak Intelligence Coordination: Poor coordination between civil and military intelligence agencies in volatile zones.
• Judicial Oversight: Supreme Court rebuked delayed justice and lack of FIRs in ethnic violence cases.

3. Governance Gaps and Political Complicity

• Majoritarian Policies: Accusations of state bias favoring Meiteis led to erosion of neutrality.
• Breakdown of Trust in Institutions: Civil society and tribal bodies withdrew from state mechanisms.
• Lack of Decentralization: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) remain underpowered and underfunded (Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 2022).

4. Way Forward: Toward Inclusive and Sustainable Governance

• Empowered ADCs: Implementation of Sixth Schedule-like autonomy for hills in Manipur.
• Ethnic Peace Accords: A multi-stakeholder platform with involvement of Naga, Kuki, and Meitei representatives.
• Reviving Civil Society Dialogue: Example – “Peace Committee for Manipur” by civil society leaders (2023).
• Balanced Security Approach: Combining AFSPA reforms with community policing and local engagement.

Conclusion (2 lines)

Manipur’s ethnic conflict is a test case for India’s democratic resilience and pluralism. Only an inclusive, rights-based and locally-rooted governance model can ensure enduring peace in the Northeast.