2 - From Marginalization to Empowerment: the struggle for equality and rights by the Lois in Manipur

The paper examines how the Lois, a Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Manipur, struggles for recognition and rights. The issue of the Lois and their struggle is often subsumed within the socio-political discourse of the state and is often clubbed under the broader Meitei identity. In this paper, we examine how the Lois in Manipur are degraded to a ‘low-caste’ status and their struggle for equality through political recognition as Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Manipur. From the outside (external), Meiteis are treated as homogenous, if not in monolithic terms, and communities such as the Lois are subsumed under it. In the post-Hindu social order set-up, the Lois continued to stick to their traditional occupation and religion, further making them more discriminated against and marginalized by the dominant ethnic groups. The Lois, as a collective, look at education as a major tool to liberate themselves from their historically disadvantaged status in Manipur society. This strategic utilization of education to uplift themselves highlights their agency and aspirations for equality and empowerment. Based on a field study, this paper will shed light on how the community struggles for recognition as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and how this struggle is entangled with their aspirations for equality in Manipur.