Manipur Conflict: Ethnic Violence Continues Amid Political Turmoil
More than two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, the northeastern Indian state remains deeply divided between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, with recent developments underscoring the fragility of peace efforts and the growing political fallout.
The conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in at least 258 deaths and displaced over 60,000 people according to official government figures as of November 2024. Unofficial estimates suggest the toll may be higher, with reports of over 1,100 injured and widespread destruction of homes and religious sites, including nearly 400 churches and 132 temples vandalized or destroyed.
Roots of the Violence
The violence was triggered by a dispute over affirmative action policies, specifically a Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which Kuki-Zo groups opposed fearing loss of land and political influence. Underlying tensions include Meitei majoritarianism, allegations of illegal migration, cross-border narcoterrorism, and growing Hindu nationalist sentiment in the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo hill districts.
The Meitei, who constitute about 53% of Manipur’s population and dominate the Imphal Valley, have been pitted against the Kuki-Zo tribes, who inhabit the surrounding hills and develop up approximately 16% of the state’s population. The conflict has taken on ethnic and religious dimensions, with attacks targeting places of worship and reports of sexual violence and mutilation.
Political Fallout and Leadership Changes
In early 2025, longtime Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) resigned under pressure, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur—a move criticized by Meitei civil society groups as “sudden, unreasonable, and undemocratic.” The Congress and other opposition parties have accused the central government of failing to restore law and order.
By February 2026, a latest BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was formed under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. However, Kuki-Zo organizations swiftly rejected the inclusion of Kuki legislators in the new administration, labeling them “traitors” and issuing death threats. The Kuki Students’ Organisation and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights called for protests and shutdowns, which paralyzed districts like Churachandpur and led to clashes with security forces.
Meitei Civil Society Response
In response to the political developments, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a coalition of Meitei civil society groups, renewed its call for a boycott of the BJP and its leaders. COCOMI accused the party of exacerbating ethnic divisions and failing to protect Meitei interests, demanding a detailed investigation into the violence and accountability for perpetrators.
Ongoing Instability
Despite changes in leadership, normalcy remains elusive. Security forces continue to operate in a tense environment, with frequent shutdowns, protests, and sporadic violence. Human rights groups have documented cases of arson, vandalism, and looting, while displaced populations remain in relief camps with limited access to livelihoods and education.
The Indian government has deployed additional central forces, including the Army, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, but efforts to disarm militant groups and facilitate dialogue have yielded limited success. Both communities accuse each other of receiving state support, deepening mistrust.
Conclusion
As Manipur enters its third year of conflict, the path to reconciliation appears increasingly difficult. Without meaningful engagement from both communities, transparent investigations, and a politically neutral security environment, the cycle of violence and displacement is likely to persist. The situation remains a critical test of India’s ability to manage ethnic diversity and uphold constitutional values in its border regions.