Questions Asked in SSB Interview on Manipur Violence

Questions Asked in SSB Interview on Manipur Violence

The Manipur Violence incident holds significant importance in the context of internal security and governance, making it a relevant topic for the SSB Interview, especially in evaluating candidates’ awareness of current affairs and their potential as future armed forces officers.

In the SSB Interview, candidates may expect questions related to the triggering factors of the ethnic clash in Manipur between the Meitei and tribal communities, the number of casualties reported, and the demands and grievances of both groups. They might also be asked about the steps taken by the Indian government to restore law and order, the investigating authorities, and the religious affiliations of the Meitei people. Candidates could also face queries about land settlement differences between the Meitei and tribal communities, the concentration of government spending in the Imphal Valley, and the events that sparked tensions in February 2023.

Let us look at some most expected Questions that could be asked in SSB Interview on Manipur Violence – 

Q: What triggered the ethnic clash between the Meitei and tribal communities in Manipur?
A: The ethnic clash was triggered by the Meitei people’s demand for a Scheduled Tribe status under the Indian Constitution, which the tribal communities opposed.

Q: What did the Meitei people seek with their demand for a Scheduled Tribe status?
A: The Meitei people sought privileges similar to those enjoyed by the tribal communities.

Q: What was the concern of tribal communities regarding the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei people?
A: Tribal communities feared that granting Scheduled Tribe status would allow the Meiteis to acquire land in restricted hilly areas.

Q: What measures did the Indian government take to restore law and order during the Manipur violence?
A: The Indian government deployed 10,000 troops and paramilitary forces, imposed a curfew in eight districts, suspended internet services, and issued “shoot on sight” orders.

Q: Who is leading the investigation into the Manipur violence?
A: A panel headed by a retired Chief Justice is leading the investigation.

Q: What is the role of the peace committee in addressing the conflict?
A: The peace committee, led by the Governor and security advisor Kuldeep Singh, aims to promote dialogue and understanding between the involved parties.

Q: What percentage of the population do the Meitei people and tribal communities represent in Manipur?
A: The Meitei people constitute 53% of the population, while tribal communities make up approximately 40% of the state’s 3.5 million people.

Q: How many seats in the Manipur Legislative Assembly are reserved for Scheduled Tribes?
A: 19 seats in the Manipur Legislative Assembly are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Q: How many seats were won by Meitei candidates in the last election in Manipur?
A: In the last election, Meitei candidates won 39 out of the 40 unreserved seats in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Q: Why did the Manipur government initiate efforts to remove illegal immigrants from reserve forest areas?
A: The Manipur government initiated efforts to remove illegal immigrants from reserve forest areas due to settlements that had occurred since the 1970s.

Q: What are the main religious affiliations of the Meitei people in Manipur?
A: The Meitei people in Manipur predominantly follow Hinduism, but there are also Muslims, Buddhists, and native Sanamahi followers among them.

Q: What percentage of the state’s land area does the central Imphal Valley occupy?
A: The central Imphal Valley occupies approximately 10% of Manipur’s total land area.

Q: Which tribal communities are the dominant inhabitants of the hills surrounding the Imphal Valley?
A: The dominant tribal communities in the hills surrounding the Imphal Valley are the Kukis in the southern portion and the Nagas in the northeastern portion.

Q: How does land settlement differ for the Meitei people and tribal communities in Manipur?
A: Meitei people are prohibited from settling in the hilly regions without the permission of local district councils, while tribal populations face no such restriction when settling in the valley region.

Q: What is the primary grievance of tribal groups concerning government spending in Manipur?
A: Tribal groups have expressed concerns about government spending being disproportionately focused on the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley.

Q: What events in February 2023 heightened tensions between the Meitei people and tribal communities in Manipur?
A: In February 2023, tensions escalated when the Manipur government initiated an eviction drive in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts, labelling forest dwellers as encroachers, which was perceived as against the interests of tribal communities.

Q: Which article of the Indian constitution did the Union government invoke to assume control of the security situation in Manipur?
A: The Union government invoked Article 355 of the Indian constitution to assume control of the security situation in Manipur.

Q: What led to the dissolution of the Arambai Tenggol organization?
A: The Arambai Tenggol organization announced its dissolution, citing certain “unwanted developments” that had occurred in recent days.

Q: As per the Manipur government’s statement, how many internally displaced people were living in camps as of a certain date?
A: As of a certain date, around 45,000 people had been relocated to other areas, and approximately 26,358 people were accommodated in 178 relief camps. (Read the updated news)

Q: During the Manipur violence clashes, which areas in Manipur were under a curfew?
A: Curfew was imposed in eight districts, including non-tribal dominated Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Jiribam, and Bishnupur districts, as well as tribal-dominated Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts.

Q: How many houses and vehicles were reported to have been burned down during the violence, according to the government?
A: According to the government’s report, around 1700 houses and numerous vehicles were burned down during the violence.