Structural Roots of Kuki–Zo and Meitei Violence (1972–2026): An Academic Analysis with District-Level Illustrations from Manipur

Abstract: This paper traces the structural causes of sustained inter-ethnic violence between Meitei (valley) and Kuki-Zo (hill) communities in Manipur from statehood (1972) through 2026. It argues that colonial-era administrative divisions, constitutional asymmetries (land and Scheduled Tribe protections), competing territorial imaginaries, long-term militarisation, and governance deficits created a layered grievance architecture that crystallised into episodic and large-scale violence. The analysis is localised through district-level examples (Imphal East/West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Kangpokpi) and is accompanied by a timeline (1972–2026) of major political, legal and violent episodes. Policy implications for trust-building, legal clarity, and devolved governance are offered.