By the same token, insurgencies make use of propaganda or military pressure in order to persuade or intimidate a population. So, at the very least, it has political objectives. Separatist groups have also boycotted Bollywood movies in the state, which otherwise are very popular in other parts of the country. Basically, you can say that an insurgency is actions a minority group within a state takes in order to force political change. Korean movies are extremely popular in Manipur, which experts believe is another example of the cultural difference of the Manipuris from the rest of India. 'Culturally and socially, we identify ourselves more with the countries of Southeast Asia as they are closer to home.' 'We are virtually cut off from mainland India,' said Shyam Singh, a history professor in Imphal. 'We are often mistaken for Chinese or Koreans because of our Mongol roots,' Onil said. 'We look so different to start with,' human rights activist Kshetrimayum Onil told AFP. We are not Indians,' said Laishram, who is a Hindu Meitei. Some go to the extent of saying they are not Indians. India must give cultural and historical recognition to the people of Manipur,' said Neepram. 'The Manipuri people are very proud of their culture. Manipur's population is an ethnic mix of Meitei, Naga, Kuki and Pangal communities, which want to preserve their own cultural autonomy. Left-leaning separatists are active in many northeastern Indian statesīut the Manipur issue is not just about economic injustice and New Delhi's military operation in the state.ĭespite the fact that the Indian Ministry of Tourism promotes Manipur as 'Jewel of India,' the residents of the marginalized state feel little association with the Indian culture.

'It's been 65 years since the independence of India, yet there are a large number of marginalized and neglected people in India's northeastern states.' and USMC Reference Publication Counterinsurgency retains this definition and that for insurgency. Murali Krishnan, DW's correspondent in New Delhi, said the Indian state has done little to bring Manipur and other north-eastern states into the mainstream. People in Manipur are also fed up with the ongoing battle between Indian forces and the separatists. Separatists seem to be using the economic deprivation of the state as an ideological justification for their movement. The insurgents demand either autonomy or independence from the Indian state, saying New Delhi is treating Manipur like a 'step-mother.' While the poverty ratio in most parts of India has decreased, according to the Indian federal Planning Commission, it has increased in five north-eastern states including Manipur. The Indian government is fighting a battle with many rebel groups in Manipur, most of which are formed on tribal or ethnic lines. Once a thriving economy, Manipur is now one of the poorest Indian states

Insurgency definition