Manipur Bans Internet Amid Renewed Ethnic Violence: A Deep Dive into the Crisis

The northeastern state of Manipur has been engulfed in a cycle of violence for more than a year. The latest flare-up has prompted the state government to ban internet services for five days, starting from 3 PM on September 10, 2024. This move comes in response to concerns that social media could be used by anti-social elements to spread disinformation, incite violence, and mobilize mobs. The government aims to curb the transmission of images, hate speech, and rumors that could further provoke ethnic tensions.

This blog delves into the complex socio-political crisis in Manipur, focusing on the reasons behind the violence, the impact of the internet ban, and the broader implications for the region and the country.

The Root of the Conflict: Meitei vs. Kuki

At the heart of the Manipur crisis is the long-standing tension between two ethnic groups—the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community. The conflict revolves around competition for resources, particularly land and government jobs. Both communities have laid claims to certain territories and public resources, and the government's allocation of these resources has often been seen as skewed in favor of one group over the other.

The division between the two communities is not just ethnic but also geographic. The Meitei community primarily resides in the Imphal Valley, which constitutes about 10% of the state's territory but houses almost 60% of the population. Meanwhile, the Kuki community, along with other tribal groups, is concentrated in the surrounding hill districts.

This division has led to the creation of ethnic enclaves, and each community has formed militias to protect their interests. As hostilities between these groups have escalated, the state has witnessed periodic clashes, blockades, and attacks. The most recent violence resulted in at least 11 deaths in the past week, a tragic reminder of the ongoing unrest.

The Role of Internet and Social Media in the Crisis

In between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community. These groups have been at odds for over a year, and the resulting violence has divided Manipur into ethnic enclaves, further exacerbating long-standing tensions over land, public jobs, and political power.

Recent Escalation in Violence

The situation in Manipur has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. On September 10, 2024, the state witnessed the imposition of an internet ban as well as a curfew in the state capital, Imphal, and its surrounding areas. These measures were taken following a series of student-led protests that erupted into clashes with the police. The protests were a response to the government’s inaction against insurgents accused of using improvised weapons, including drones, to launch attacks. This marked a significant escalation of violence in a state already reeling from months of conflict.

At least 11 people were killed in the violence last week as hostilities flared between Meitei and Kuki militias. The fighting saw the erection of blockades in key areas, leading to a volatile and unpredictable situation on the ground. The government's decision to suspend internet services came as part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of disinformation, which officials feared could worsen the already fragile situation.

Government's Rationale Behind the Ban

The Manipur government issued a statement explaining the rationale for the internet shutdown, noting that the measure was necessary to prevent further violence and loss of life. According to the government, social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were being used to mobilize mobs and coordinate acts of arson, vandalism, and other violent activities.

The statement read, "To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony, and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumors."

This is not the first time that Manipur has imposed an internet shutdown in response to ethnic tensions. The region has seen periodic clashes over the years, and internet bans have become a common tool used by authorities to quell unrest. However, critics argue that these measures do little to address the root causes of the violence and instead hinder communication, create economic disruption, and exacerbate mistrust among the population.

Ethnic Tensions: A Long-Standing Conflict

The violence in Manipur is rooted in deep-seated tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Meitei, who are predominantly Hindu and constitute the majority population in the state, primarily reside in the valley areas, which are economically and politically significant. On the other hand, the Kuki community, which is mainly Christian, resides in the hill areas. The two groups have clashed over land rights, political representation, and access to public jobs for decades.

The state's ethnic conflict reached a new level of intensity in May 2023, when violent clashes first erupted between the two communities, leading to dozens of deaths and widespread displacement. Since then, the conflict has taken on a life of its own, with both sides accusing each other of atrocities, including the use of militias and the erection of blockades. These ethnic enclaves have further divided the state, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.

The Role of Militias and Insurgents

The presence of armed militias has been a key factor in the continued violence in Manipur. Both the Meitei and Kuki communities have their own armed groups, which have been accused of carrying out attacks against civilians and security forces. These militias have set up roadblocks, conducted raids, and engaged in violent clashes, all of which have contributed to the ongoing instability in the state.

The recent protests were sparked by allegations that insurgents had begun using "improvised projectile weapons" and drones in their attacks. This development was seen as a "significant escalation" by the police, who have been struggling to contain the violence. The use of drones in particular has raised concerns about the future trajectory of the conflict, as insurgent groups appear to be becoming more sophisticated in their tactics.

Government Response and Public Reaction

The Manipur government's decision to impose an internet ban and a curfew was met with mixed reactions. While some residents supported the move as a necessary step to prevent further violence, others criticized it as a heavy-handed approach that would do little to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.

Civil society groups and activists have expressed concern that the internet ban will only serve to isolate the population and cut off crucial communication channels. In a state already divided along ethnic lines, the shutdown could exacerbate mistrust and hinder efforts to mediate between the warring communities. Additionally, the ban has disrupted daily life for residents, affecting businesses, schools, and access to information.

Moreover, while the government aims to curb the spread of disinformation, critics argue that the lack of reliable communication channels could give rise to more rumors and speculation, further fueling tensions. In an age where social media is a primary source of news and information, the absence of the internet could create an information vacuum that might be filled by misinformation from unofficial sources.

The Path Forward

As Manipur grapples with this latest wave of violence, the path to peace remains uncertain. The state's ethnic conflict is deeply entrenched, with both the Meitei and Kuki communities harboring long-standing grievances. The government's measures, including the internet ban and curfews, are short-term solutions aimed at maintaining order, but they do not address the root causes of the conflict.

Long-term peace in Manipur will likely require sustained efforts at reconciliation, dialogue, and political reform. Both the Meitei and Kuki communities must come together to find common ground, particularly on issues related to land rights and political representation. Additionally, the role of militias and insurgent groups must be addressed, as their continued presence threatens to derail any efforts at peace.

The internet ban is set to last until September 15, 2024, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to prevent further violence. The situation in Manipur is fluid, and the government's ability to maintain control will depend on its ability to balance security measures with efforts to address the underlying grievances of the state's communities.

Conclusion

The ongoing violence in Manipur highlights the complexity of ethnic conflicts in India and the challenges faced by the government in maintaining peace and order. The decision to ban the internet is a reflection of the state's concerns over the use of social media in fueling violence, but it also raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

As Manipur continues to navigate this volatile situation, the need for a long-term solution becomes increasingly urgent. Only through dialogue, political reform, and efforts to bridge the divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities can lasting peace be achieved in this troubled region.