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.