Fresh violence erupted in Manipur on Saturday, leading to the deaths of six people, as the ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities escalated. Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh held an emergency meeting with coalition government legislators and briefed Governor L Acharya on the law and order situation as the northeastern state remains tense.
The clashes between the two communities trace back to a controversial court order that called for extending the Kuki’s special economic benefits, including quotas in jobs and education, to the Meiteis. This decision has reignited deep-seated ethnic tensions in the state.
Key Developments from the Ongoing Conflict:
- The violence surged on Friday with suspected militants launching long-range rockets, killing a priest and injuring five others in Moirang, Bishnupur district.
- On Saturday morning, militants attacked Nungchappi village in Jiribam, killing 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha. Shortly after, they targeted Rasidpur village, where local clashes resulted in the death of 41-year-old Baspatimayum Lakhi Kumar Sharma.
- Jiribam was the site of recent peace discussions between Meitei and Hmar leaders, supported by security forces. Despite a joint commitment to working towards peace, the latest attacks have disrupted the process.
- In response to the escalation, particularly drone and rocket attacks, the Manipur police have deployed anti-drone systems. Plans are underway to acquire more systems and anti-drone guns to manage the unrest.
- The police have employed army helicopters for aerial surveillance and are conducting searches in suspected areas across both the hills and the valley regions.
- On Friday evening, crowds attempted to loot weapons from the 2nd and 7th Manipur Rifles camps in Imphal. Security forces successfully repelled the crowds using blank rounds and tear gas.
- Following heavy gunfire at Nungchappi village in Jiribam, police inspector general K Kabib reported the recovery of three bodies of suspected militants.
- To maintain order, 92 checkpoints have been established across Manipur’s hills and valleys. The police have detained 129 individuals for violating the state’s emergency regulations.
- With a population of 32 lakhs, Manipur has been divided into two ethnic enclaves since the conflict began in May 2023— the valley controlled by the Meiteis and the hills dominated by the Kukis.
- The latest surge in violence is believed to have been triggered by a controversial audio recording, allegedly featuring Chief Minister Biren Singh. The recording has led to demands for a separate administration for tribal communities, though the government has clarified that the audio was doctored.
Since the beginning of the conflict last year, more than 225 people have lost their lives, and nearly 60,000 have been displaced. Despite efforts for peace, including high-level meetings and security measures, the situation remains volatile. The state government continues to face challenges in restoring order amidst the ethnic strife.
Sources By Agencies
