Perspectives of ethnic conflict in the north-eastern India

North-eastern part of India has the landscape with potential racial, lingual and ethnic diversity which creates ethnic tension and conflict. The complexity of ethno-demographic relationships and subsequent conflicts in Manipur can however provide a wider theoretical framework explaining a particular pattern of conflict. This study attempts to understand the conflict perspectives exist among the Naga and Kuki community in the state of Manipur, north-eastern part of India. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for selecting the sample (i.e., head of the households) from Naga and Kuki community comprising of 150 respondents from Naga and 72 respondents from Kuki. Interview schedule was administered and focus group discussion and case studies were ascertained to understand the tangible problems and other issues. The data collection and other information pertaining to the study were carried out during July 2009 and September 2009 and SPSS was used for analysis. It was observed that inter land dispute and the traditional enmity between the communities which lead to the conflict. Hence, these communities should take decisions for their future and well-being and they should look at their culture, social practices, social organization and religion etc., of both sympathetically. The past experiences of unwanted tensions should not be repeated and government should develop strategies to overcome this problem and should emphasize on the early achievement of genuine solutions acceptable to all.