Emerging Trends in Ethnic Nationalism: Territoriality and Conflict in Manipur

Abstract

One of the most serious issues in culturally diverse societies, like in Manipur, is the demand for territorial autonomy by ethnic conglomerates, which see themselves as a distinct nation. The communities included in the conglomerates are purposively mobilised on ethnic similarities to sharpen the claim for securing separate territories. The study on ethnic conflicts in Manipur highlights that most of the communities within the conglomerate groups are not only culturally diverse but also territorially dispersed. Thus, this article highlights two points. First, the trend of ethnic nationalism that emerged in Manipur (and other parts of the northeast region) is different from the earlier instances of nationalism found elsewhere. Second, the politics of differentiation within the conglomerates is a source not only for producing new demands for separate territories but also for intensifying ethnic conflicts in Manipur. As disagreements between them cannot be easily resolved, smaller groups often challenge the dominance of larger groups and demand new territories. This shows that when negotiating the claims of multiple identities, each of which sees itself as a distinct nation, conceding territorial autonomy will not resolve inter-ethnic conflict in a state like Manipur unless the issues of internal differences are adequately addressed.