What is ethnicity? In the light of recent Manipur Violence, discuss the issue of ethnic conflicts and reasons for it from Sociological perspectives.

Ethnicity is based on cultural ideas. An ethnic group is perceived to be so by the group & by the others (Giddens). It can be on the basis of biology (family, kinship), territory (region, locality) or culture (language, religion).

Reasons for ethno-conflicts

⊙ Perceived relative deprivation: Kukis feel they haven't received development as much as plain residing Meiteis

⊙ 'Internal colonialism' (Hechter) → Demands for separate

administration due to perceived feeling of internal colonialism.

⊙ Instrumentalist perspective: Few argue that ethno conflict is being utilised by elites for vested self interest.

⊙ Attachment to identity → Both communities are deeply attached to ethnic identity.

⊙ Cross border linkage → Others argue that ethnic linkages across border (Kuki-Chin) are also responsible.

Ethno conflicts are a major challenge to societal integration.