The Manipur Conflict

• Manipur has been surrounded with violence and hostilities for several months now.
Since early May, there have been ethnic clashes and conflicts in this north-eastern state
between the minority Kuki tribe and the majority Meitei group.

• The Manipur High Court decision in March, urging the state government to grant
Meiteis "scheduled tribal status," triggering unrest. This status granted them similar
benefits as the minority Kuki, allowing Meiteis to purchase property in Kuki-dominated
areas, causing fears of losing opportunities, homes, and livelihoods.

• The decision triggered protests by Kuki student groups, escalating into violent clashes
by May. Meitei mobs targeted Kuki people and homes, resulting in burned villages,
thousands displaced, and the state divided along ethnic lines. Military curfews, internet
shutdowns, and troop deployment followed.

• Even as the violence escalated, the response from the central BJP government remained
noticeably silent with no public comment from the Prime Minister for several long
months. The Manipur BJP-led state government which is dominated by the Meitei
community, having taken no strong action, has been accused of being complicit in the
violence.

• Several instances of rapes and gender-based violence have been documented. A viral
video of Kuki women being stripped, assaulted, and allegedly gang-raped compelled
the Prime Minister to break his silence. After more than seventy days, the police
arrested seven men involved. The incident has ignited nationwide outrage and drew
reprimands from the Supreme Court.

• The European Parliament has condemned the loss of life, destruction, and violence in
Manipur. Opposition parties are also demanding the Prime Minister’s statement in both
houses of the Parliament.

• The priority is to stop violence, uphold human rights through responsive governance,
and promote reconciliation and citizen-centered dialogues. Citizens should be cautious
with their actions and words to prevent hate speech, misinformation, and further
violence during this critical time.