The recent ethnic clashes in Manipur, a northeastern state of India, have claimed over 75 lives and displaced more than 35,000 people since May 3, 2023. The violence, which erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has been described as the worst in decades. While the local factors behind the conflict are complex and historical, some analysts and politicians have pointed out the possible involvement of a foreign hand: China.
China, which shares a border with India and Myanmar, has been accused of supporting and arming insurgent groups in the region, especially those operating from Myanmar. China’s motive, according to some experts, is to destabilize India’s Northeast and create a buffer zone against India’s influence in Southeast Asia. China may also be exploiting the political turmoil in Myanmar, where a military coup in February 2023 sparked widespread protests and violence.
He also demanded the resignation of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who belongs to the ruling BJP party. Biren Singh, on the other hand, hinted at the involvement of a foreign hand in the violence, but did not name China explicitly.
Some security officials and China watchers have also suggested that China may be plotting to foment trouble in the Northeast amid border tensions with India. In June 2023, a deadly ambush near the Myanmar border in Manipur killed five soldiers, including a colonel, his wife and their eight-year-old son. The attack was blamed on the People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLAM), a banned insurgent group that is believed to have links with China.
China’s role in Manipur violence is not a new phenomenon. China has a long history of backing separatist movements and insurgencies in India’s Northeast, dating back to the 1950s. China has provided arms, training, funds and sanctuary to various rebel groups, such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF). China’s support to these groups has been seen as a way of countering India’s growing presence and influence in the region, as well as a bargaining chip in the border dispute with India.
However, China’s involvement in Manipur violence is not without challenges and risks. China faces the possibility of a backlash from India, which may respond with diplomatic, economic or military measures. China also risks alienating the local population, who may resent China’s interference and manipulation. Moreover, China may not be able to control the actions and agendas of the insurgent groups, who may have their own interests and grievances that are not aligned with China’s.
Therefore, China’s role in Manipur violence is a hidden agenda that needs to be exposed and addressed. The conflict in Manipur is not only a local issue, but also a regional and international one, with implications for peace and stability in South Asia. India needs to take effective steps to resolve the conflict, by engaging with the local communities, addressing their grievances, and restoring law and order. India also needs to cooperate with Myanmar and other neighboring countries to prevent cross-border infiltration and violence. India should also hold China accountable for its actions and deter any further interference in its internal affairs.
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