Recent ethnic violence in Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has claimed lives of six people, including one civilian. Ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities intensified after a court ordered the state government to consider extending special privileges and job quotas to the Meiteis, privileges previously held by the tribal Kukis.
Since the clashes erupted in May 2023, over 225 people have died, and around 60,000 have fled their homes. Latest violence on Saturday saw gunfire, resulting in highest death toll in a single day. For the first time, militants reportedly used drones to drop explosives, increasing the severity of conflict. However, Kuki groups denied any involvement in using drones.
In Jiribam district, armed groups from both sides began fighting early in the morning. Krishna Kumar, district’s deputy commissioner, confirmed that security forces have been deployed to control the situation. Gunmen fatally shot a civilian while he slept in his home, causing further alarm in the community.
State government has ordered all schools to remain closed, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. Manipur, with a population of 3.2 million, has been split into two ethnic regions since the conflict started. Kuki community resides in hills, while Meitei community controls the valleys. A no-man’s land, monitored by government soldiers, separates two regions.
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As violence persists, Manipur’s residents face uncertainty and fear, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace back to their state. Government has urged both communities to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid further bloodshed, but tensions remain high. Despite efforts to mediate the situation, distrust between Meiteis and Kukis continues to fuel the conflict.
Humanitarian organizations have also stepped in, providing aid to thousands of displaced families, but the situation remains dire. Many are calling for stronger intervention from central government to restore order and bring lasting peace to the region, as violence shows no signs of slowing down.