Faced with New Delhi's alternating intransigence and incompetence, militant groups in Manipur are threatening to take their battles to the streets.
Armed ethnic groups have parcelled Manipur into tribal fiefdoms, and are now holding the state's economy for ransom. Two groups – the Meitei-dominated United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and a faction of Naga insurgents, the National Socialist Council for Nagalim-Isak Muivah group (NSCN-IM) – are at constant loggerheads, jeopardising the state's growth potential. "There are many armed groups in Manipur because arms are easily available. If you have two pistols, you can form a group and start collecting money from the people, from the state government departments," explains R K Meghen, alias Sanayaima, the reclusive 65-year old leader of the UNLF.
National Highway 39 passes through Senapati District of Manipur, an area that particularly illustrates the complexities of a region where tribal hostilities have assumed layer upon layer of competing influences. Rival histories, competitive jostling for identity and geographic location, and other such dynamics have combined to make the hidden war in this area almost intractable. Senapati District is a stronghold of the NSCN-IM, and the Naga underground elements here virtually run a parallel administration. "I have to collect tax, and you will have to give it to me voluntarily," says Brigadier Phunthing of the NSCN-IM.
In addition to the Senapati and Ukhrul hill districts in Manipur, the NSCN-IM also lays claim to the state's southern hill districts of Tamenglong, Churchandapur and Chandel. The group is demanding the integration of these districts to form a state called Greater Nagaland. But this goal is in direct competition with the UNLF's agenda of an Independent Manipur. Caught in the crossfire is the Kuki tribe, which hope to claim the hill districts for a separate Kuki state. "In Manipur there are three communities: Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis. So you can't have a solution for one and ignore the others, if you want the entire region to be in a situation where there is peace, stability and tranquillity," says Seilen Haokip, a spokesperson for the Kuki National Organisation.