Manipur Violence

Manipur, the north-eastern state of India, has been facing endless violence for last five months. It was in the month of May when the first clashes broke out in Manipur during a tribal solidarity march in the areas bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. Intermittent violence — emerging from an ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities — has continued to keep the state on the boil till now, claiming over 175 lives and injuring more than 1,000.

Tens of thousands have fled their homes, and some have taken shelter in government-run camps. According to data presented by Inspector General of Police (Operation) I K Muivah earlier this month, over 5,000 cases of arson have been reported, which included more than 4,700 houses that were torched. Muivah said 386 religious structures have been vandalised through arson, of which 254 were churches and 132 were temples.

Among the most recent developments in the situation are the photographs of two Meitei students hinting at their killing. The two photographs surfaced nearly three months after the two went missing.

In recent years, the violence has intensified, with multiple ethnic groups clashing in various parts of the state. Some of the most affected areas include the hill districts, where there is a strong presence of Naga and Kuki ethnic groups, and the valley districts, where the majority Meitei community resides.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of ethnic violence in Manipur. One of the most important factors is the legacy of British colonialism. The British divided Manipur into two parts, the hills and the valley, and placed them under different administrative units. This division created a sense of alienation between the two communities, and it continues to fuel tensions today.

Another important factor is the competition for resources and political power. Manipur is a resource-rich state, with abundant forest resources, minerals, and hydroelectric potential. However, the benefits of these resources have not been evenly distributed, with the hill districts lagging behind the valley districts in terms of development. This has led to resentment among the hill communities, who feel that they are being exploited by the valley-based Meitei community.

The political landscape of Manipur is also complex, with a number of different ethnic groups vying for power. The state has been ruled by the Meitei-dominated Congress party for most of its history. However, in recent years, there has been a growing assertiveness among the hill communities, who are demanding greater representation in government.

The rise of ethnic violence in Manipur has had a devastating impact on the state. Thousands of people have been killed and displaced from their homes. The violence has also crippled the economy and disrupted the development of the state.

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MANIPUR VIOLENCE NEWS

Express View on PM Modi's visit to Manipur: The challenge is to build bridges across historical faultlines

September 15, 2025 7:31 am

Weakening the conditions that have made ethnicity a divisive force requires sustained dialogue between the representatives of warring communities.

Free movement, as the editorials correctly point out, is a key factor in peace-building.

Dear Editor, I Disagree: Without justice, no agreement can lead to long-term peace in Manipur

September 11, 2025 11:00 am

Justice involves recognising the wrongs committed over the years by neglecting the hills

Judiciary’s role is to be principled, not popular

An opening in Manipur, an opportunity to be seized

September 08, 2025 7:27 am

PM’s proposed visit comes at a critical moment, when the prospect of resolution exists.

PM's proposed visit to Manipur must pave the way for revival of political process

September 04, 2025 7:13 am

At the very least, it will send a message to the people of the besieged state that the nation acknowledges their crisis

Meitei groups seek NRC, free movement for all at meet with MHA officials

July 01, 2025 3:54 am

This was the first time that representatives of all three major groups - COCOMI, AMUCO and FOCS - representing Meitei interests met with MHA officials together in Delhi.

Village chief’s wife killed amid ‘crossfire’ in Churachandpur

June 20, 2025 6:50 am

According to police, the deceased was likely to have been killed in crossfire that took place during this search operation.

Two years of conflict in Manipur, and the erosion of our moral conscience

May 05, 2025 4:15 pm

The question now is not simply what the state will do, but what kind of people we wish to be

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Express view on two years of Manipur violence: Two years of pain

May 05, 2025 7:25 am

Dialogue remains the only way forward in Manipur. Centre must make more effort for a reconciliation that lasts

Two years since Manipur violence began, a call for collective healing and a connected future

May 03, 2025 4:53 pm

Beyond conflict and division, Manipur must pursue a new path of unity, ecological restoration, and youth empowerment to heal its scars.

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2 years of ethnic conflict later, what does the future hold for Manipur?

May 03, 2025 7:30 am

The “Separation Day” programmes lined up by Kuki-Zomi groups reflect their demand for a separate administration, state or Union Territory. These programmes are set to be held not just in different parts of the state, but also in major cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru.