Tribal conflicts based on ethnic differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with examples.

Understanding the Interplay of Ethnicity, Politics, and Economics

The assertion in the question is rooted in the understanding that ethnicity, while a significant marker of identity, is rarely the sole driver of conflict. It often serves as a mobilizing force, exploited by political actors and economic interests to further their agendas. The following points illustrate this interplay:

• Political Marginalization: Tribal communities often lack adequate political representation, leading to grievances regarding policy-making and resource allocation. This marginalization can be exploited by political entrepreneurs who mobilize ethnic identities to gain support.
• Economic Disadvantage: Displacement due to development projects (dams, mining), land alienation, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities contribute to economic hardship. Ethnic identities are then used to frame these economic grievances as a struggle against ‘outsiders’ or dominant groups.
• Resource Control: Competition over natural resources – forests, minerals, water – is a major source of conflict. Ethnic lines are often drawn to justify claims to these resources, masking the underlying economic interests.
• Identity Politics: The rise of identity politics, both within and outside tribal communities, can exacerbate existing tensions. Political parties may strategically emphasize ethnic differences to consolidate their vote base.

Regional Examples Illustrating the Camouflage

1. Jharkhand: The Santhal Parganas and Mining Conflicts

The Santhal Parganas region in Jharkhand has witnessed numerous conflicts ostensibly framed as tribal-non-tribal clashes. However, a closer examination reveals that these conflicts are often linked to the control of mineral resources. Mining companies, often backed by powerful political interests, displace tribal communities from their ancestral lands, leading to protests. These protests are then portrayed as ‘ethnic’ conflicts to delegitimize the demands for economic justice. The Pathalgadia movement (2017-2018), where tribal communities asserted their self-governance rights by erecting stone plaques declaring themselves as sovereign entities, was initially presented as a secessionist movement but was fundamentally a response to land alienation and political marginalization.

2. Manipur: Meitei-Kuki Conflict (2023)

The recent conflict in Manipur between the Meitei and Kuki communities, while appearing as an ethnic clash, is deeply intertwined with political and economic factors. The Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, driven by a desire for greater access to reserved jobs and educational opportunities, triggered anxieties among the Kuki community, who feared losing their existing benefits. Furthermore, the conflict is linked to issues of land ownership, poppy cultivation, and the alleged support of certain political actors. The ethnic narrative served to mobilize communities and escalate the violence, obscuring the underlying political and economic motivations.

3. Odisha: Dongria Kondh and Vedanta Mining Project

The struggle of the Dongria Kondh tribe against the Vedanta Aluminium project in the Niyamgiri hills of Odisha provides another compelling example. While framed as a conflict between indigenous culture and industrial development, the core issue was the tribe’s right to protect their sacred land and livelihood from mining operations. The ethnic identity of the Dongria Kondh was strategically used to garner national and international support against the project, highlighting the economic and environmental consequences of resource extraction.

4. North-East India: Bodo Movement and Statehood Demand

The Bodo movement in Assam, initially focused on linguistic and cultural recognition, evolved into a demand for a separate Bodo state. This demand was driven by a desire for greater political autonomy and control over resources in the Bodo Territorial Areas District (BTAD). While ethnic identity was central to the movement, the underlying goal was to address historical marginalization and secure economic opportunities for the Bodo community. The creation of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in 2020 reflects this political and economic dimension.

The Role of State Policies and Governance

State policies, often aimed at ‘development’ or ‘security’, can inadvertently exacerbate tribal conflicts. Displacement policies, inadequate compensation for land acquisition, and the imposition of external administrative structures can erode tribal autonomy and fuel resentment. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution, designed to protect tribal interests, have often been implemented inadequately, leading to continued marginalization. Furthermore, the lack of effective grievance redressal mechanisms and the prevalence of corruption contribute to a sense of injustice and alienation.