Manipur violence death toll rises to 306, 49 still missing, govt tells Assembly

At least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur in May 2023, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam told the Assembly on Thursday.

Responding to a question from BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh on the second day of the ongoing Assembly session, Konthoujam said the figures were recorded as of August 31, 2026.

“Since the violence started on May 3, 2023, 306 people have died, and 49 people are still missing as of August 31, 2026,” he said.

The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023, after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Meiteis account for around 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up around 40 per cent of the population and largely reside in the hill districts.

The prolonged violence led to the displacement of thousands of people and triggered major political changes in the state.

President's Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after the BJP-led government headed by N Biren Singh resigned on February 9 following months of ethnic violence.

The 60-member Assembly, whose tenure runs until 2027, was placed under suspended animation after President's Rule was imposed.

President's Rule was revoked on February 4, 2026, ahead of the formation of a new state government under BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh as chief minister.

The latest figures were provided by the government as the Assembly session continued in Imphal.