Draft:Kuki Migration and Refugees in Manipur

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The Kuki people are an ethnic group found in the northeastern regions of India, particularly in the states of Manipur and Assam, and neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. Over the years, various phases of Kuki refugees have arrived in Manipur, each with its unique historical context and challenges. Kukis had immigrated to Manipur in different phases.

Early Migration(1810-1840)

The earliest recorded migration of Kukis to Manipur dates back to the early 19th century. According to Grierson, the Thados from the Chin Hills were driven towards the north into Manipur, where they settled in the hills to the south. The early settlements of the Kuki people in Manipur were marked by a series of migrations and displacements that shaped their presence in the region. The Lushais, a prominent tribe in present Mizoram, moved northward around 1810 A.D., while the Thado tribe was gradually pushed northward from the Lushai Hills. The Thado, in turn, were conquered by the Sokte tribe and forced further north into Manipur, where they eventually settled in the southern region of the state.

Major Migration Waves (1845-1919)

The second significant wave of Kuki migration to Manipur occurred between 1845 and 1919. This period saw the arrival of approximately 17,000 "New Kukis" from the Lushai Hills, who were brought and settled by the British in strategic locations surrounding the Manipur valley. These migrants served as mercenaries, used as a buffer to protect the valley from Naga tribes. The British strategy of balancing one tribe against the other led to the establishment of Kuki villages adjacent to Naga villages or Naga-dominated areas, resulting in a mixed population in the hills despite inter-tribe rivalries.

Post-World War II Migration (1949-1973)

Following World War II, there was a significant influx of Kuki refugees from Burma into Manipur. This migration was documented in letters from S. C. Vaish, the then Deputy Commissioner of Manipur, to the Government of India in 1968 and 1973. The letters highlighted issues concerning the settlement of Kuki refugees from Burma, indicating a large-scale influx of refugees into Manipur during this period.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the Kuki people in Manipur continue to face challenges related to their migration and settlement history. The ongoing debate over Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the demand for separate administration for the Manipur hills highlights the complexities of their history and the ongoing impact on the state's politics. The issue of illegal immigration from Myanmar and the absorption of these immigrants into Kuki society remains a contentious topic, with some groups claiming that these immigrants are altering the demographic balance and cultural identity of the Kuki people in Manipur.

Implications

The history of Kuki refugees arriving in Manipur is marked by multiple phases of migration and settlement. From the early 19th-century migrations driven by British expansion to the post-World War II influx of refugees from Burma, the Kuki people have played a significant role in shaping the demographics and politics of Manipur. Understanding their history is crucial for addressing contemporary issues and promoting peace and harmony in the region.