Three Years After Ethnic Clashes, Fresh Attacks And Protests Rock Manipur
Fresh violence and unresolved tensions keep Manipur on edge.
Three years after ethnic violence first erupted in Manipur, the state continues to remain on edge, with fresh incidents of violence, protests, and shutdowns underscoring how deeply entrenched the crisis has become. The latest unrest has been triggered by recent killings, including the death of two children in a bomb attack, which has reignited tensions across both valley and hill districts.
At the core of the crisis is a prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei community, which dominates the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups residing in the surrounding hill areas. The violence first broke out in May 2023 after a controversial High Court directive suggested considering Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis—something tribal groups opposed, fearing it would threaten their land rights and political protections.
The conflict quickly escalated into widespread clashes, arson, and displacement. Over 260 people have been killed and more than 60,000 forced to flee their homes, with entire regions effectively segregated along ethnic lines. Armed groups and looted weapons have further complicated the situation, creating what observers describe as a de facto divided state between valley and hill territories.
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Recent developments have once again destabilised the fragile calm. The killing of civilians—including children—has led to protests, shutdowns, and retaliatory tensions, with multiple community groups calling for action. Curfews, internet shutdowns, and heavy security deployment have followed, reflecting the administration’s struggle to contain periodic flare-ups.
Political instability has also contributed to the prolonged unrest. The resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in 2025, the imposition of President’s Rule, and subsequent leadership changes have not fully resolved underlying grievances. Key issues such as accountability for past violence, rehabilitation of displaced people, and competing claims over land and identity remain largely unaddressed.
As a result, Manipur’s situation remains volatile, with each new incident risking a broader escalation. While there have been attempts at dialogue between communities, analysts warn that without structural solutions and sustained trust-building, the state is likely to remain vulnerable to recurring unrest despite intermittent periods of calm.
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