Recent ethnic violence in Manipur, a northeastern state in India, has claimed the lives of six people, including one civilian. The ongoing conflict between the 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. The latest violence on Saturday saw gunfire, resulting in the highest death toll in a single day. For the first time, militants reportedly used drones to drop explosives, increasing the severity of the 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, the 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.
The 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. The Kuki community resides in the hills, while the Meitei community controls the valleys. A no-man’s land, monitored by government soldiers, separates the two regions.
As violence persists, Manipur’s residents face uncertainty and fear, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace back to their state. The 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 the Meiteis and Kukis continues to fuel the conflict.
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Humanitarian organizations have also stepped in, providing aid to the thousands of displaced families, but the situation remains dire. Many are calling for stronger intervention from the central government to restore order and bring lasting peace to the region, as the violence shows no signs of slowing down.