Ethnic Conflict and the Entrenchment of the HillsValley Divide in Manipur

The hill–valley divide is often emphasised in both academic and public discussions, debates not only as a geographical boundary but also as a symbol of how history, law, and policy have unevenly distributed power and resources across regions. The divide in Manipur reflects a deeply-rooted, historically layered set of social, political, economic, and administrative divisions that influence identity, power, and resources throughout the state. After the violence in May 2023, Manipur’s demographic landscape is sharply divided by a ‘Buffer Zone’ between the Imphal valley, mainly inhabited by the Meitei, Muslims, and other communities—which is fertile, urbanised, and politically dominant— and the rest of the state. The surrounding hills—vast in area but sparsely populated—are traditionally home to the Kuki-Zo and Naga groups (along with several other hill tribes), each with distinct customary land systems, governance structures, and legal statuses. This spatial separation has shaped political institutions, economic development, cultural identities, and patterns of conflict. Since 2023, the violence has clearly revealed the symbolic and material effects of the hill-valley faultline, indicating that no Kuki-Zo person can safely enter the Imphal valley, just as no Meitei dares to enter Kuki-Zodominated hill areas. This paper traces the origins and development of the divide, analyses its mechanisms and impacts, and explores how recent unrest has merely uncovered longstanding issues that have simmered beneath the surface for years. It critiques current policy responses and proposes pathways towards a more equitable and stable future.