The conditions for a conflict arise when identities tighten up and become exclusivist, leading to grievances over perceived neglect of one group. But good governance that focuses on accommodation and dialogue helps stem the possibilities of a deterioration of such conditions into violence. The trigger was a rally called by the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur, on Wednesday, protesting the move to concede a demand for ST status, following a High Court order, to the Meiteis, the majority group. The tribal groups are opposed to this demand which is not uniformly endorsed by all sections of the Meiteis. The conflagration was also the consequence of brewing discontent against what tribal groups perceived as the State government’s biased actions.

Source: The Hindu May 06, 2023 09:54 UTC