A fresh wave of violence in Manipur serves as a grim reminder that normalcy remains elusive, with innocent lives continuing to be lost
Manipur is burning again and it seems no one knows how to control the violence which has taken a proportion of a civil war in the state. The latest unrest, which erupted on November 7, 2024, has resulted in the loss of lives, widespread property damage and heightened tensions in an already volatile state. The immediate cause was the discovery of six bodies—including two children—kidnapped by suspected Kuki militants in the Jiribam district. On the same day, a tragic attack unfolded in Zairawn village, where an armed Meitei group allegedly raped and killed a woman and set fire to several homes, including a school. These incidents triggered a series of retaliatory attacks. On November 11, security forces killed ten suspected Kuki militants during a clash in Borobekra. Meanwhile, militants abducted six members of a Meitei family, killing two elderly individuals. In the days that followed, homes, churches and public properties were targeted, escalating the cycle of violence. Manipur’s population is a tapestry of diverse communities, with Meiteis forming a slight majority and primarily residing in the Imphal Valley.
Tribals, including the Kukis and Nagas, predominantly inhabit the surrounding hill districts. While Meiteis are predominantly Hindus, the Kukis and Nagas have significant Christian populations. Meiteis dominate the state’s political and economic spheres. Longstanding disputes over land, migration and political recognition have exacerbated tensions. The May 2023 violence, sparked by the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and eviction drives targeting Kuki settlements, forms a significant backdrop to the current crisis. In response to the escalating violence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened high-level meetings with security officials and dispatched nearly 7,000 additional paramilitary personnel to Manipur. The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to six more police stations, granting the Army enhanced operational control. Despite these efforts, violence has persisted, including attacks on the homes of MLAs, such as Chief Minister Biren Singh and widespread property destruction. The government has implemented curfews and internet bans to curb misinformation and prevent further escalation. The situation in Manipur demands a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. The Government must initiate confidence-building measures, including community dialogues and ceasefire agreements with armed groups. Besides, neutral platforms for dialogue between Meiteis and tribal communities must be made for meaningful dialogue and conflict resolution. The issues of political representation, land ownership, and socio-economic equity to rebuild trust must be taken up on priority to bring normalcy to the state else it could have far reaching impact on the polity of the entire region of North East. Inclusive governance, equitable development, and sincere reconciliation efforts are critical for breaking the cycle of violence in Manipur.
