In the northeastern state of Manipur, tensions have reached a breaking point. The region has been engulfed in ethnic violence since May 2023, with deadly clashes, mass protests, and widespread displacement leaving communities on edge. The conflict has drawn national attention, prompting the Indian government to send thousands of troops to restore order. But the deeper issues fueling the unrest remain unresolved, keeping Manipur in a cycle of fear and chaos.
What’s Happening in Manipur?
Manipur has become a battleground between two communities:
- The Meitei, who are the majority group living in the plains.
- The Kuki, a minority group residing in the surrounding hills.
The violence began in May 2023 and has since escalated into a full-blown conflict. Over 200 people have lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes. The situation took another grim turn last weekend when mob violence erupted in the Jiribam district after the killing of three women and three children.
Protesters, furious over the deaths, targeted the homes of government officials, setting houses on fire and destroying property. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Earlier waves of violence included rocket attacks, drone bombings, and gunfights, leaving both communities shattered.
The Role of the Government
To address the crisis, the federal government held an emergency meeting chaired by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and top security officials joined the discussion to plan the next steps.
The government decided to deploy over 5,000 additional troops to Manipur, including paramilitary forces and border security personnel. This follows a similar move in September when 2,000 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) troops were sent after violent clashes.
The controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has also been reimposed in some parts of the state. AFSPA allows the military to search, arrest, and even open fire in areas where public order is threatened. While some argue it’s necessary to control the violence, others see it as a step backward, reigniting debates about human rights and regional autonomy.
The Human Toll
Beyond the political and military actions, it’s the ordinary people of Manipur who are suffering the most. Families have been torn apart, and entire villages have been abandoned. Children, in particular, are bearing the brunt of the conflict.
One haunting story involves a young boy whose home was burned down by a mob. “He doesn’t have a home now,” a neighbor shared. Stories like his highlight the devastating impact of the violence on the youngest and most vulnerable.
A Conflict Rooted in Deep Divisions
The violence in Manipur isn’t just about recent clashes—it’s rooted in historical tensions over land, identity, and political power. The Meitei, being the majority, have long dominated the state’s political and economic landscape. Meanwhile, the Kuki and other tribal communities feel marginalized and fear losing their cultural identity and land rights.
These tensions have worsened over the years, with grievances on both sides boiling over into violence. Efforts to ease the conflict, such as withdrawing AFSPA from “peaceful” areas in 2022, offered temporary relief but didn’t address the underlying issues.
What’s Next for Manipur?
The situation in Manipur remains fragile. The government’s decision to send more troops might bring short-term stability, but the deeper issues between the Meitei and Kuki communities need long-term solutions. Without addressing these divides, the cycle of violence could continue.
For now, Manipur’s people are caught between hope for peace and the fear of what might come next.
