The Indian northeastern state of Manipur remains gripped by persistent ethnic violence, with the conflict now expanding to include communities that were previously unaffected by the unrest. Since the outbreak of hostilities in May 2023 between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo communities, more than 300 people have been killed, and 49 remain missing. The instability has recently shifted, with new faultlines emerging between the Naga and Kuki populations.
In February, tensions intensified following an altercation in the Litan-Sareikhong area of Ukhrul district. What was initially described as a local dispute spiraled into a series of armed clashes, abductions, and attacks on residences across the districts of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati, and Kangpokpi. Authorities responded by imposing curfews and suspending internet services across Ukhrul. The situation worsened on May 13 when three Kuki church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi. On the same day, 18 Naga civilians were abducted; the mutilated bodies of six of those individuals were recovered on June 10. Since that period, over 50 additional deaths have been recorded across both communities.
Accusations of involvement in these attacks are being traded between groups. Naga organizations have blamed Kuki-Zo rebel factions operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government for the violence. Conversely, Kuki organizations have alleged that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak Muivah) and the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) are responsible. Furthermore, ethnic clashes have extended to other groups, including a confrontation last month between Meitei Hindus and Pangal Muslims in Thoubal that resulted in one death and numerous houses being set on fire.
Public frustration with the government's handling of the crisis is mounting. On October 19, unidentified assailants killed three Meitei woodcutters and injured three others along the boundary of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. This incident prompted protests in Imphal, where residents placed two bodies outside the residence of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to demand accountability. Meitei organizations have subsequently held massive rallies calling for the protection of indigenous populations, the resignation of the Chief Minister, and the total abrogation of the SoO agreements with militant groups.
The government recently allowed the SoO agreements with 25 Kuki-Zo groups to expire in September 2026 without renewal. This policy shift followed pressure from Naga legislators and civil society groups. Despite the deployment of additional security forces, including reported plans to divert troops from anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, the cycle of violence persists. Experts suggest that long-term stability in Manipur requires a comprehensive approach involving dialogue between the warring communities and the resolution of historical grievances regarding land laws, resource distribution, and political marginalization.
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Many of these issues and conflicts can be traced to the colonial period. After India’s independence in 1947, the issues were not addressed. The grievances festered, prompting radical sections from all the communities to form rebel groups for redressal of their grievances and other objectives.
