The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.
Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme?
Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):
Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
It is managed by the National Archives of India.
Objective:
To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
The mission has set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts, covering a range of themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
What is a Manuscript?
A manuscript is a handwritten document on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf.
These documents are at least 75 years old and hold scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records that provide direct historical information.
Achievements and Challenges:
The NMM has documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third have been uploaded.
Concerns were raised over mismatches between digitized data and original manuscripts, requiring correction.
Of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded, only 70,000 are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy, which limits public availability, especially since 80% of manuscripts are privately owned.
NMM has conducted preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios over the past 21 years.
PYQ:
[2008]Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?
The Centre has launched the 21st National Livestock Census (LC), the five-yearly exercise of counting the country’s livestock.
Innovations in the 21st Livestock Census:
For the first time, data collection is being done via a mobile app, enhancing accuracy and timeliness.
The census will cover 15 species of animals (excluding poultry) such as cattle, buffalo, mithun, yak, sheep, goat, pig, camel, horse, donkey, and elephant.
Information on 219 Indigenous breeds and livestock holdings by pastoralists will also be recorded, along with data on the gender of individuals involved in livestock rearing.
About Livestock Census (LC)
The Livestock Census (LC) is a nationwide survey conducted every 5 years to count all domesticated animals across households, enterprises, and institutions in rural and urban areas.
The National Livestock Census provides detailed data on the population, breeds, and distribution of livestock like cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, and others.
Conducted by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with State/UT governments since 1919.
The 21st Livestock Census (2024) is the latest in the series and includes data collected using a dedicated mobile app for improved accuracy and real-time monitoring.
Significance of the Livestock Census:
Policy Formulation: Helps the government develop policies for livestock sector growth, covering aspects like breed improvement, disease control, and feed management.
Rural Economy Support: Provides insights into the role of livestock in enhancing rural incomes, nutrition, and employment.
Livestock Development Programs: Data supports initiatives like the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which focuses on breed development, feed and fodder improvement, and innovation in livestock practices.
Indigenous Breed Conservation: Tracks indigenous livestock breeds to support breed-specific conservation and sustainable practices.
Previous Census Observations in India:
[1] 20th Livestock Census (2019):
Total Livestock Population: Recorded at 535.78 million, marking a 4.6% increase from the previous census in 2012.
Bovine Population: Counted at 302.79 million (includes cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak).
Indigenous vs. Exotic Breeds:
Indigenous cattle population declined by 6%, indicating a shift toward crossbred and exotic breeds.
Exotic and crossbred cattle increased by 29.3%, driven by rising demand for high milk-yielding breeds.
Buffalo Population: Increased by 1% to 109.85 million, contributing significantly to India’s milk production.
Sheep and Goat Populations:
Sheep population rose by 14.1%, reaching 74.26 million.
Goat population grew by 10.1%, totaling 148.88 million.
Poultry Population: Experienced a substantial growth of 16.8%, with a total of 851.81 million birds, reflecting the expansion of commercial poultry farming.
Female Livestock Population: Increase in female cattle (18%) and female buffaloes (8%), underscoring the focus on dairy production.
[2] 19th Livestock Census (2012):
Highlighted an increase in buffalo populations and decline in indigenous cattle.
Marked significant growth in poultry numbers, reflecting changing agricultural and economic patterns.
PYQ:
[2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
[2012] Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above
[2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. [2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?Prelims: [2013] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: (a) China (b) Israel (c) Iraq (d) Yemen
Mentor’s Comment:Israel’s war in Gaza, launched in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, once again took center stage at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week. The UN General Assembly brought up the issue of illegal Israeli settlements at the court, with public hearings set to conclude on February 26.
The hearings highlighted a deeper divide, as Western countries largely defended Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza as an act of “self-defense,” while many Global South nations backed South Africa’s push for the ICJ to charge Israel with “war crimes” for its actions. The hearings took place against the backdrop of a major dispute between Brazil and Israel.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Most of the speakers at the hearings were from the Global South, with Brazil and South Africa taking the lead in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
All permanent members of the UN Security Council submitted comments, though Israel did not take part. India did not speak at the hearings, but its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, strongly criticized Israel’s actions.
Global South View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
Fragmented Global South Response: The Global South has not presented a unified stance toward the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some countries have sought legal actions against Israel, others have taken more cautious approaches, focused on diplomacy and ceasefire calls.
South Africa’s Legal Action: Driven by its own history of apartheid, South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, seeking a warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Divergence Within BRICS: China and India, the two biggest powers within the Global South construct, have taken divergent positions based on their national interests rather than building consensus within newer multilateral formats like BRICS.
The Role of BRICS Expansion: The BRICS group recently expanded, a move supported by China but not particularly favored by India, illustrating differing priorities even within major Global South frameworks.
China’s View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
China’s Support for Palestinian Sovereignty: China aligns its position with Arab interests, supporting Palestinian sovereignty from a decolonization perspective. In July 2024, it hosted a conference aimed at unifying various Palestinian factions.
China’s Strategic Calculations: China refrained from condemning Hamas after the October 2023 attacks, aiming to keep its mediation options open, especially after the high-profile Iran-Saudi Arabia mediation. However, recent developments, including the killings of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, have disrupted these efforts.
China’s Use of Multilateral Forums: China seeks to leverage forums like BRICS to promote the Global South narrative in its favor. The expansion of BRICS and Palestine’s interest in joining reflect China’s strategy to broaden its influence.
India’s View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:
India’s Balanced Approach: India maintains a consistent and balanced position, supporting both Israel’s counter-terrorism efforts and the Palestinian cause. Its stance includes a two-state solution and recognition of Palestine since 1988.
Counter-Terrorism Focus: India’s stance on the conflict focuses on counter-terrorism, reflecting its own experiences with cross-border terrorism, similar to Israel’s challenges. The 2011 release of Sinwar by Israel is comparable to India’s release of Masood Azhar in 1999.
The disunity in the Global South affects India’s interests in several ways:
Limits Diplomatic Leverage: The lack of a unified stance weakens India’s ability to push for collective action on issues like terrorism or multilateral reforms.
Challenges in BRICS Consensus: Diverging views within BRICS complicate India’s efforts to shape the group’s agenda in line with its own interests, such as counter-terrorism and economic cooperation.
Reduces Influence in West Asia: Fragmented approaches hinder India’s ability to play a significant mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict or other regional matters.
Complicates Strategic Alignments: Disunity forces India to navigate complex diplomatic relationships individually, rather than benefiting from coordinated Global South support.
Dilutes Global South’s Voice: The lack of coherence limits India’s capacity to effectively champion developing countries’ concerns on global platforms like the UN.
Way forward:
Strengthen Diplomatic Alliances: India should work on building stronger bilateral and regional partnerships to create support for its positions within the Global South, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as counter-terrorism and economic development.
Leverage Multilateral Platforms Strategically: India can actively shape the agenda in forums like BRICS by promoting consensus on common issues, such as peace initiatives and reforming global governance, to enhance its influence and the collective voice of the Global South.
Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined.
What is nonhuman?
Nonhuman animals are living beings other than humans, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, recognized for their capacity to feel, behave, and interact.
What is Legal personhood?
Legal personhood is the status granted to an entity, allowing it to hold legal rights and obligations, traditionally applied to humans and some organizations.
Example: All human individuals are recognized as legal persons. This allows them to enter into contracts, sue, and be sued in court.
What Constitutes Legal Personhood for Nonhuman Animals?
Legal Personhood Definition: Legal personhood refers to the capacity of an entity to have legal rights and duties. In law, a “person” is not strictly limited to human beings; corporations, for example, are considered legal persons.
Application to Nonhuman Animals: Extending legal personhood to nonhuman animals involves granting them certain legal rights, such as the right to not be unlawfully confined or exploited. This would require redefining animals’ status from property to beings with inherent rights.
Arguments in Favor: Proponents argue that certain highly intelligent and socially complex animals, such as elephants, dolphins, and great apes, should be granted legal rights because they can experience suffering and possess a degree of autonomy akin to that of humans.
Arguments Against: Opponents of legal personhood for animals argue that the legal system is designed for human society and extending personhood to animals could lead to complex legal issues.
They contend that animal welfare can be ensured through legislative protections rather than redefining personhood.
How can societies balance animal welfare with cultural practices that might clash with today’s views on animal rights?
Engagement and Dialogue: Encourage conversations between cultural leaders, communities, and animal rights advocates to understand different perspectives and find common ground on how to improve animal welfare while respecting traditions.
Education and Awareness: Promote education about animal welfare and the capacity of animals to feel pain and suffering, helping communities to reconsider practices and adopt alternatives that align with both cultural values and humane treatment.
Legal Frameworks: Implement laws that protect animal welfare while allowing for cultural practices to continue in a regulated manner, ensuring that such practices do not involve cruelty or inhumane treatment of animals.
What are the Rights of Animals in the Indian Context?
Traditional and Cultural Practices: In India, animals play a significant role in various cultural and religious practices. For instance, cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, while elephants are used in festivals and ceremonies.
Legal Framework for Animal Rights: India has several laws aimed at protecting animal rights, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws establish standards for animal welfare and criminalize cruelty.
However, they stop short of granting legal personhood to animals.
Judicial Intervention: The Indian judiciary has taken progressive stances on animal rights in some cases.
For example, the Uttarakhand High Court in 2018 declared all animals in the state to be legal entities, with citizens acting as guardians. This ruling emphasized the need to protect animals’ dignity and well-being, though it did not grant full legal personhood.
Conclusion: India can look toward a framework that balances animal welfare with cultural practices by adopting context-specific policies. This could include creating more robust welfare standards, engaging with communities to find humane alternatives, and fostering a cultural shift toward greater empathy for animals.
West Bengal and Odisha experienced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall later tonight.
What are Cyclones?
Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones (airmass-induced).
Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
Coriolis Force,
Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
Small vertical wind speed differences, and
Upper air divergence.
Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:
Theyform over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.
What is the “Landfall” of a Cyclone?
Landfall occurs when a tropical cyclone moves from the sea onto the land.
As per the IMD, a cyclone makes landfall when the centre of the storm, or its eye, crosses the coast.
Landfall should not be confused with a “direct hit”, where the eyewall (area of high winds) hits land but the eye of the cyclone remains offshore.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a cyclone’s strongest winds may still impact land even if the centre of the storm does not reach the coast.
How long does a Cyclone Landfall last?
The duration of landfall typically lasts a few hours, depending on the wind speed and size of the storm.
For cyclone Dana, the landfall process is expected to last five to six hours with wind speeds around 125 km/h, impacting a wide region.
Cyclones usually weaken after landfall as they lose their moisture supply and experience increased surface friction.
While landfall is often the most destructive phase of a cyclone, it also signals the beginning of the cyclone’s dissipation.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).
About PM-YASASVI Scheme
Details
Launch Year
2021-22
Purpose
To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
Eligibility Criteria
• Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
• Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
• Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
Benefits
• Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
• Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
• Hostel facilities for OBC students
• Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
Scholarship Amounts
• Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
• Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
Selection Criteria
• Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
Application Process
• Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Significance
Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.
To encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that minimize emissions, contributing to air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.
How effective is ESI to reduce emissions, and what metrics are used to evaluate this effectiveness?
The ESI provides a framework for incentivizing ships based on their environmental performance, specifically targeting reductions in air emissions such as CO2, SOx, and NOx.
The effectiveness of the ESI is evaluated using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which is derived from factors such as engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the implementation of emission reduction technologies.
The ESI enables ports to analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data on participating vessels.
What are the future developments planned for the ESI?
Future plans include expanding metrics to cover additional pollutants and carbon intensity for a more comprehensive environmental assessment.
Enhancements in digital reporting for easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
Planned updates will aim to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including zero-emission technology.
How will they align with global maritime regulations aimed at decarbonization?
ESI updates will align with IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations on pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
ESI’s future adaptations will address carbon intensity targets and promote alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, in line with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The ESI is part of the broader World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), promoting sustainability in port operations and low-carbon maritime trade.
ESI aims to further incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reduction.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:
It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star.
About Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder.
It is among the brightest and largest stars visible in the night sky, located about 650 light-years from Earth.
The star is nearing the end of its life, and when it dies, its explosion is expected to be visible during the day for several weeks.
Betelgeuse is vast, measuring more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) in diameter.
Known for its periodic dimming and brightening, Betelgeuse has two distinct pulsation cycles:
A short-term cycle of about one year.
A longer six-year cycle called a long secondary period.
Researchers believe this longer cycle may be caused by Betelbuddy (an unseen companion star) moving through the dust surrounding Betelgeuse.
Indicators and Scientific Evidence
Betelgeuse’s cyclic dimming and brightening patterns indicate it is nearing the end of its life.
Its massive size and expansion as a red supergiant suggest it is in a late stellar stage.
Cooling surface temperature and mass loss through stellar winds signal increasing instability.
Spectral analysis shows heavy elements in Betelgeuse’s layers, typical of late-stage fusion.
An unseen companion star, or “Betelbuddy,” may be influencing its brightness and internal structure.
Potential Effects of Betelgeuse’s Supernova on Earth and Our Solar System
Betelgeuse’s supernova will likely be visible in daylight for weeks and brighter than the Moon at night.
At 650 light-years away, dangerous radiation would dissipate before reaching Earth, posing no harm.
Space missions and satellites may experience minor interference from increased cosmic rays.
The explosion will enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, contributing to new star formation.
The supernova will provide valuable scientific insights into stellar life cycles and cosmic element formation.
PYQ:
[2017] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of:
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth
A commemorative postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage within the Kittur Fort premises to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.
About Kittur Rani Chennamma
Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Belgaum (now Karnataka).
She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery from an early age.
She married Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small principality in Karnataka.
The Kittur Uprising (1824):
The British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son, Shivalingappa, as the rightful successor under the Doctrine of Lapse.
She declared war on the British in response to their annexation attempt.
In October 1824, she led the Kittur army against 20,000 British soldiers stationed near the Kittur Fort.
During the battle, British official John Thackery was killed, and the Company forces faced significant losses.
After initial resistance, British forces returned in December 1824 with a larger army.
Despite her courageous efforts, Rani Chennamma was captured along with her forces and imprisoned.
She was held captive in Bailhongal Fort, where she spent her remaining years. She died in captivity in 1829.
Legacy and Significance
Rani Chennamma is celebrated as one of the first women in Indian history to lead an anti-colonial uprising.
She is revered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial oppression.
She is honored in Kannada folklore, particularly through lavani (folk songs) that celebrate her bravery and sacrifice.
Statues have been erected across Karnataka, including a prominent one in Bengaluru’s Parliament House.
Doctrine of Lapse
Introduced by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, the Doctrine aimed at expanding British territories in India.
The policy was based on the principle that a princely state without a suitable heir should become part of the British Empire.
Applied to princely states where the ruler died without a natural or legally adopted male heir, enabling the British to annex those states.
The policy was seen as illegitimate by many Indian rulers and played a role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Several states annexed due to this Doctrine, include Satara (1848), Jaitpur (1849), Sambalpur (1849), Udaipur (1850), Jhansi (1853), and Nagpur (1854).
Prior to the Doctrine of Lapse, princely states had a traditional practice of selecting an heir from a group of candidates known as bhajans.
The policy was abandoned in 1859, two years after the end of the Company Rule in India.
PYQ:
[2013] Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
[2014] What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?
To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
To regulate East India Company’s trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q) Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: Since 2012, there has been a constant demand led by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) for granting the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. On 20 April 2023, a judge of the Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider the request of the Meitei community to be included in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The Kuki community feared that the ST status would allow the Meiteis to purchase land in the prohibited hilly areas and hence the total shutdown began.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur, a northeastern state of India, highlights the complexities of managing ethnic diversity in a region marked by historical grievances and socio-political dynamics. Today’s editorial examines the roots of the conflict, the government’s response, and potential pathways to peace.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Since May 2023, over 250 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced due to ongoing ethnic clashes primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence has intensified again, with at least 11 casualties reported in September 2024.
What are the historical and socio-political factors contributing to the Manipur crisis?
1) Historical Factors:
Colonial Legacy: Manipur was an independent kingdom before British colonization. In the year 1891 Manipur became a Princely State under British Rule after the Anglo-Manipur War.
Later, the Britishers employed a “divide and rule” strategy, which resulted in tensions between the valley-dwelling Meitei and the hill tribes, including the Kukis and Nagas.
Forced Merger into India: In 1947, Maharaja Budhachandra signed a Treaty of Accession merging Manipur into India. This merger occurred without adequate consultation with local leaders, leading to widespread discontent among various ethnic groups.
Insurgency and Ethnic Clashes: The rise of insurgent groups in the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by demands for autonomy or independence, has led to ongoing violence.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was introduced in 1980 to manage insurgency but has resulted in increased militarization and human rights abuses, further inflaming local grievances.
2) Socio-Political Factors
Ethnic Identity and Land Rights: Conflicts over land ownership and ethnic identity are central to the crisis. The Meitei community’s recent demand for Scheduled Tribe status has intensified fears among Kukis and Nagas regarding their rights and land security.
Government Policies: Central government policies perceived as favoring certain ethnic groups have led to resentment among others. For instance, the withdrawal from Suspension of Operations agreements with Kuki militant groups has raised tensions.
Economic Disparities: Developmental disparities between the valley and hill regions have fueled resentment, as marginalized communities feel neglected by state initiatives.
Drug Trade and Economic Exploitation: The proximity to theGolden Triangle and porous international borders make Manipur vulnerable to drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities.
2023 Violence: A court order regarding Scheduled Tribe status for the Meiteis sparked violent protests, leading to significant casualties and displacement. This incident underscores the fragile nature of inter-community relations in Manipur.
How has the Indian government’s response impacted the situation in Manipur?
Military Deployment: The government deployed approximately 17,000 troops and this heavy military presence led to allegations of human rights abuses and a deepening trust deficit between the state and local communities.
Curfews were imposed across multiple districts which disrupted daily life and hindered communication among communities.
Central Government’s 100-Day Plan: The resolution of the Manipur conflict is part of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s 100-day plan. It has also faced criticism for being slow and lacking transparency regarding concrete actions.
Humanitarian Response: The government has initiated compensation packages for affected farmers but faces challenges in addressing the broader humanitarian needs of displaced populations.
Long-Term Stability Concerns: The situation is compounded by geopolitical factors involving neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, necessitating innovative solutions from the government to ensure long-term peace in the region.
Constitutional Provisions:
• The Indian Constitution uniquely addresses diversity through special provisions for various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. • The specialprovisions aim to ensure equitable development and safeguard cultural identities that seek to reconcile competing interests in northeastern states by institutionalizing power-sharing and representation, promoting autonomy in governance. •Article 371F (introduced after Sikkim’s accession in 1975), empowers Parliament to protect the rights of various population sections and grants the Governor special responsibilities for socio-economic advancement. • The Supreme Court upheld Article 371F in the R.C. Poudyal case (1993), justifying increased representation for the Bhutia-Lepcha community based on historical context and the need for political stability. • Given the increasing violence and displacement in regions like Manipur, revisiting these constitutional provisions is crucial for national interest and social harmony.
CASE STUDY:
•Tripura is a model of peace achieved via constitutional measures during its insurgency, particularly through the 6th Schedule, which grants autonomy to tribal areas. Itempowered district councils to legislate on education, land use, and social customs. •Tripura Accord (1988) reserved one-third of State Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes, exceeding their population proportion. Unlike Tripura, Manipur is governed by Article 371C, which lacks similar provisions for tribal autonomy and requires Hill Area Committee approval for governance matters.
What Manipur needs to do?
In light of the unique challenges faced by Manipur, it is essential to recognize that, unlike other northeastern states, its District Council lacks veto power, leading to heightened anxieties over over-representation and resource allocation.
Thus, true peace and solutions for diversity must be cultivated through Constitutional evolution and Democratic processes, rather than superficial measures.
