The ongoing unrest in Manipur, India, has escalated as protests against deadly inter-ethnic violence continue to rage. Following recent disturbances, authorities have implemented an indefinite curfew and suspended internet services, in an effort to restore order.
Recent Violence and Arrests
On 16 November 2024, police arrested 23 individuals for ransacking and setting fire to the homes of lawmakers and ministers, amidst hundreds gathering to demonstrate against the violence that has plagued the state. This unrest marks the second consecutive day of turmoil in Imphal, the state capital.
- 250+ deaths since May 2023
- 60,000 people displaced
- Inter-communal clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities
While a senior police official stated that the situation was relatively calm, he also cautioned that it remains unpredictable. The violence has roots in longstanding tensions, primarily over government grants and quotas in employment and education.
Victims of Violence
Among the most recent victims, three bodies believed to belong to a family from the Meitei community were discovered in a river, raising fears of escalating hostilities. Kuki groups have been accused of violence, leading to significant animosity between the two ethnic groups. A 31-year-old woman from the Kuki tribal community was also shockingly burned alive last week, further inflaming the situation.
Lawmakers have faced significant threats during this unrest. BJP lawmaker L Sushindro Meitei reported that his home was under attack, but fortunately, security forces managed to disperse the crowds before they breached his property.
Government Response
In response to the worsening situation, the National People’s Party, part of the ruling coalition, announced its withdrawal of support from the state government, citing Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s inability to resolve the crisis. The government is deploying additional security forces to manage the escalating violence and assure accountability for the recent attacks.
The stark divides in Manipur — a valley dominated by the Meiteis and the hills by the Kukis — highlight the complexity of the ethnic tensions simmering in this region. This societal fracture has resulted in a stretch of no-man’s land, monitored by federal forces, complicating any resolutions.