Perhaps you recall, or if not, allow me to explain – it all began last year with the onset of attacks, clashes, and riots in Manipur.

But first, where is Manipur? Why is it important?

Manipur, a jewel of northeastern India, is nestled in the lush valleys and rolling hills of the Himalayas, bordering Myanmar to the east. This serene state is part of the famous "Seven Sisters" of India, a group of seven culturally rich and geographically unique states in the northeast. Known as the "Land of Jewels" for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and ancient heritage, Manipur boasts a diverse population, with multiple ethnic communities contributing to its colorful tapestry. Its capital, Imphal, is not just a hub of history but also a gateway to understanding the state's traditional dance forms, handloom artistry, and its deep connection to nature. However, beneath this breathtaking beauty, Manipur has been a land of conflict and struggle in recent years, as internal unrest has cast a shadow over its tranquil surroundings. 

What's happening in Manipur over the last three to four weeks?

Over the last few weeks, Manipur has been engulfed in escalating violence due to ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. What started as local unrest has spiraled into a full-scale conflict, with both sides using advanced weaponry such as 7.62mm sniper rifles, pistols, improvised long-range mortars, hand grenades and even drones—turning the state into a near-warzone. The conflict, rooted in historical and ethnic tensions, has seen the state drenched in blood, with countless lives affected and the once-peaceful streets of Manipur now fraught with chaos.

The Meiteis, who form the majority in the Imphal Valley, and The Kukis, primarily residing in the hill districts, have been in conflict since last year. The violence has recently worsened, prompting the Manipur government to impose severe measures on September 10, 2024. The government has banned internet services in five districts and imposed a curfew in two of them, in an attempt to quell the unrest.

The unrest escalated further when students took to the streets, protesting the ongoing violence for two consecutive days. More than 50 students were injured as security forces clashed with the protesters who were attempting to storm key government buildings like the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence. Some of the seriously injured were rushed to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for treatment.

To maintain peace and prevent further bloodshed, the government suspended all internet services, including mobile internet, broadband, and VPNs, for five days, hoping to prevent anti-national and anti-social elements from stoking further violence. Despite these efforts, the situation remains volatile, with Manipur continuing to struggle amidst the chaos.

In response, the army has been forced to deploy anti-drone systems to manage the escalating violence. The situation is so dire that military helicopters are now being used to restore order. People in both the mountains and valleys have constructed bunkers for protection, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.

The violence, which has raged on for over 16 months, shows no signs of abating. This begs the question:

• Why is the conflict still ongoing after such a long time?
• Where are the insurgents obtaining such modern weapons?

Moreover, why are serious allegations being made against Chief Minister Virendra Singh, implicating his role in the unrest?

These are just some of the unanswered questions as the situation in Manipur spirals further out of control.

And the fundamental question remains:

• Why are the Meitei and Kuki communities locked in such a prolonged, bloody conflict?
• What underlying issues have driven the state to such instability?

The ongoing violence has left Manipur reeling, with no clear resolution in sight as it continues to burn in the flames of ethnic tension.

Updates:

The village, once lively and full of life, now stands eerily deserted, with homes abandoned and streets empty. The ever-present threat of drone attacks has driven most of the villagers to flee for their safety. On September 1st, the terror of drone warfare hit the region when drone bombings occurred, shaking the village to its core. In nearby Vishnupur district, there was an even larger attack planned, with militants targeting the Moirangkhom area. Fortunately, security forces acted quickly, engaging in a firefight to prevent what could have been a catastrophic bombing.

However, the violence has continued to spread. Recently, Kuki militants carried out a cold-blooded attack just a kilometer away from the Jiri Bam police station. In a chilling act of brutality, they shot and killed an elderly Meitei man inside his own home. The incident, happening so close to a police station, only intensified the fear and outrage among the Meitei community. In retaliation for the murder of the elderly man, enraged Meitei militants struck back, targeting a nearby Kuki village. What followed was a deadly firefight that left several people dead, further deepening the cycle of violence.

This escalation marks a significant turning point in the conflict. Since the ethnic clashes began in May of last year, the violence has never reached such a dangerous level of intensity. The use of drones, the ruthless killing of civilians, and the swift, deadly retaliations have pushed the situation in Manipur to a boiling point. Both the Meitei and Kuki communities are now locked in a tit-for-tat cycle of violence, making peace seem further away than ever before. The fragile state of the region is palpable, with tensions rising, and lives being lost in the crossfire of this deeply rooted ethnic conflict.

What’s the latest update on the situation in Manipur?

The situation in Manipur has taken a darker and more dangerous turn, with militants becoming bolder and more audacious in their actions. Recently, they infiltrated a Meitei-dominated area and allegedly killed someone, raising fear and tension among the local population. Their boldness was further displayed when they attempted to storm the headquarters of the Manipur Rifles in Imphal to steal weapons. Fortunately, the attack was unsuccessful, but the mere attempt has left locals deeply unsettled.

Over the past 11 days, eight lives have been lost as violence continues to surge. Students and young people have taken to the streets in protest, voicing their anger against the Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur and the governor. Their protests have escalated, resulting in clashes with security forces, including an attack on a CRPF convoy in Imphal and stone-throwing at the Raj Bhavan. The sense of fear among the people is palpable, as the militants are now employing drones and rockets in their attacks, leaving residents terrified and unsure of their safety.

The locals are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as the state government's inability to provide adequate security, feeling trapped in the violent conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis.

M. Sana Thoi Chanu, a prominent figure leading the student protests, has voiced several demands. Among them is the removal of the DGP and the state government’s security advisor, claiming they have failed to restore peace. The students and locals are also pushing for the unified command, currently headed by former CRPF DG Kuldeep Singh, to be handed over to the state government, believing that local control could help manage the escalating violence more effectively.

There are numerous factors contributing to the ongoing unrest, but the most recent flare-up of violence is allegedly linked to a viral audio clip. While details about the clip are still emerging, its impact has undeniably intensified the conflict, with tensions now boiling over into full-blown violence, protests, and attacks. The situation in Manipur remains highly volatile, with no clear resolution in sight.

What role does the viral audio clip play in the ongoing violence, and why is it important to understand the Meitei and Kuki conflict?

A recent viral audio clip has added fuel to the already raging fire in Manipur. The clip allegedly features Chief Minister Birendra Singh discussing his support for violence, which has further heightened tensions. However, the state government has strongly denied the authenticity of the clip, labeling it as fake and accusing those responsible of trying to destabilize the region. The government claims that the spread of this clip is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the fragile peace and security of the state.

This controversy becomes clearer when we explore the underlying conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. 

To truly understand what is happening in Manipur, we need to delve into the geographical and demographic makeup of the state. Manipur, located in Northeast India, is home to a complex mix of ethnic groups, with the Meiteis primarily inhabiting the Imphal Valley and the Kukis residing in the surrounding hill districts. Both communities have deep cultural and historical ties to the land, yet they have been locked in violent clashes for over a year.

The Meiteis, who form the majority in the valley, have long sought Scheduled Tribe status, which would grant them certain legal protections and privileges. However, the Kukis, who already enjoy this status, view the Meiteis' demands as a threat to their rights and land. This tension over political and social representation has been one of the major drivers of conflict between the two communities. As the violence continues to escalate, fueled by rumors, misinformation, and controversial audio clips, it is clear that understanding the deep-rooted conflict between the Meitei and Kuki people is key to making sense of the situation in Manipur.

This tragic saga is not just about current events but about historical grievances, demographic divides, and an ongoing struggle for identity and power in a deeply fractured state.

What is the geographical and demographic makeup of Manipur?

Manipur is a picturesque, hilly state located in Northeast India, with its eastern and southern borders touching Myanmar. The state's geography is distinct, as it can be divided into two main parts: the hills and the valleys.

Hills surround the state, but at its heart lies the Imphal Valley, which serves as the central region of Manipur. Despite covering only about 10% of the state's total area—just a small fraction of its 22,327 square kilometers—the Imphal Valley is a focal point of life in Manipur.

The Imphal Valley is home to the majority of the Meitei community, as well as the Vishnupriya Manipuri people. These groups dominate the valley both culturally and politically. The Meiteis themselves are a diverse community, made up of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of the indigenous Sanamahi faith.

While the valley is densely populated and politically influential, it contrasts sharply with the surrounding hill districts, which are primarily inhabited by various tribal communities, including the Kukis. The geographical and demographic divide between the hills and the valley mirrors the deep social and ethnic tensions that have fueled conflict between these groups for years, contributing to the ongoing violence in the state.

What are the key demographic features of Manipur?

Manipur is a melting pot of cultures and religions, with a diverse population that reflects its rich history and geography. The Meitei community, primarily found in the Imphal Valley, makes up approximately 53% of the state’s total population of around 2.85 million people. Within this community, individuals follow various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and the indigenous Sanamahi faith, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of beliefs and practices.

Beyond the valley, the hilly areas of Manipur are home to several tribal communities. The Kuki tribe, located in the southern hills, and the Naga tribes, primarily found in the northeastern part, represent the major minority groups in the state, collectively accounting for about 40% of the population. The Kuki community predominantly practices Christianity, which plays a significant role in their cultural identity.

The economy of these hill tribes is largely based on agriculture and handicrafts, with traditional practices passed down through generations. Farming is essential for their livelihoods, often supplemented by the sale of handmade goods, which reflect their rich cultural heritage.

This demographic diversity in Manipur, with its blend of religions and ethnic groups, is both a source of strength and a potential flashpoint for conflict. The differing interests and historical grievances between the Meitei and the tribal communities, particularly the Kukis, have contributed to the ongoing tensions in the state, making it crucial to understand this complexity when examining the roots of the violence.

What are the underlying causes of the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur?

A key factor in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities is the significant cultural and geographical divide between them. In the hilly regions of Manipur, where many of the Kuki and Naga tribes live, large-scale opium cultivation is prevalent. This region also remains largely out of reach for the Meitei people due to the state's land reform laws. According to Manipur’s land reform act, the Meitei community is restricted from settling in these hilly areas unless they receive special permission from local district councils. As a result, the hills are treated like a reserved area, creating a divide between the valley, where the Meiteis dominate, and the hills, home to the tribal communities.

In contrast, there is no such restriction on the tribal population living in the valley region. This perceived imbalance has sparked grievances among the Meiteis, who feel they are unfairly discriminated against. On the other hand, tribal groups believe they are marginalized in the political landscape of the state, and this brings us to another major point of contention—political power.

The Manipur Assembly consists of 60 seats, of which 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes like the Nagas and Kukis. However, 40 seats remain open, and in the last election, Meitei candidates won 39 of those seats. This overwhelming representation of the Meitei community in the political sphere has long been a source of frustration for tribal groups. Adding to this is the fact that the state's Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, hails from the Meitei community, further solidifying their political dominance.

Tribal groups frequently voice concerns about being sidelined and marginalized within the political system. They argue that the state's power structures are heavily skewed in favor of the Meitei community, leaving little room for their voices to be heard or their issues to be addressed. This political imbalance, combined with cultural and land-related disputes, lies at the heart of the ongoing violence and tension between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur.

What role does opium cultivation play in the conflict, and how has the government’s anti-drug campaign impacted Manipur?

Opium cultivation has been a significant factor in the conflict between the Kuki community and the Manipur government. For years, the Kuki community has been involved in large-scale opium farming, which has contributed to the rise of a significant drug culture in the state. In response to this, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched an aggressive anti-drug campaign aimed at curbing illegal opium production. According to a survey conducted by the Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC), there has been a noticeable decrease in opium cultivation over the last four years.

In 2021-22, opium was cultivated on 8,598.191 acres, but by 2023-24, this figure had dropped to 1,128.07 acres. The campaign led to a 32.1% reduction in opium farming in districts like Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and others. Kangpokpi district, in particular, saw the largest hit, where approximately 4,454 acres of opium crops were destroyed. Additionally, Fer Jawal is now recognized as the only opium-free hill district in the state.

This campaign has dealt a severe blow to the illegal drug trade, which is estimated to be worth billions of rupees. Many experts believe that the crackdown on opium cultivation has contributed to the growing resentment within the Kuki community.

The government's disruption of this illicit but lucrative business is seen as one of the underlying factors fueling the community's anger and protests against the state authorities.

Furthermore, there are accusations of favoritism against Chief Minister Biren Singh, with critics alleging that the state government prioritizes development and funding for the Imphal Valley, where the Meitei community predominantly resides, while neglecting the hilly areas, home to the Kuki and Naga tribes. This perceived bias, combined with the aggressive anti-opium campaign, has intensified the tension between the Kukis and the government, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.

The state government has kicked off efforts to remove illegal immigrants from the reserved forest area, declaring local tribals in Chura Chandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tag Nopal districts as encroachers. This move has been viewed as anti-tribal, while government officials claim that illegal immigrants from Myanmar have been settling in Manipur since the 1970s. However, tribal groups argue that the push to remove illegal immigrants is just a pretext for driving the Meitei population out of tribal lands. This operation has also seen violence.

What sparked the recent clashes in Kangpokpi, and how do the government's policies contribute to tensions?

The recent clash in Kangpokpi district, where five people were injured, underscores the escalating tension between the tribal communities and the government in Manipur. The protest in Kangpokpi was primarily driven by concerns over the government’s actions to encroach on tribal lands under the guise of declaring them reserved or protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries. This sparked fear among the local tribal communities, who view these moves as an attempt to marginalize their presence in the region.

In response, the government remained firm, stating it would not compromise on protecting state forest resources and eliminating opium cultivation. While these efforts are part of a broader campaign against illegal activities like opium farming, they are seen by many as an attack on the tribal communities' way of life and their access to land. The removal of illegal immigrants from Myanmar is another policy adding to the growing distrust between the communities. Many Kukis, who have familial and cultural ties to Myanmar, are concerned about how these measures will impact their standing in Manipur.

A significant flashpoint has been the government’s proposal to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year. This proposal has caused outrage among the tribal communities, especially the Kukis. The Kukis frequently cross the Myanmar border due to familial and cultural connections, and many are worried that the NRC could strip them of their citizenship rights. Manipuri organizations have voiced concerns about population growth in the region, advocating for the NRC as a way to regulate and identify illegal immigrants.

The local tribal populations, however, fear that the NRC will lead to mass disenfranchisement, particularly for those who may not have documents dating back to 1951. The concern is even more pronounced among the Kukis, who see the proposal as an attempt to undermine their legitimacy as citizens. This cultural and geographical connection to Myanmar has intensified the rift between the Kuki and Meitei communities, further escalating the conflict.

These government actions, viewed by the Kukis as discriminatory and threatening to their existence in Manipur, have fueled distrust and protests, leading to the continuing violence and unrest between the two communities.

How has the Manipur High Court's directive on Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community influenced the conflict with the Kuki community?

The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur intensified following a directive from the Manipur High Court on March 27, 2023. The court ordered the state government to submit recommendations for including the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list (The Hindu). This directive was met with significant resistance from the Kuki community, who raised concerns that granting ST status to the Meiteis would enable them to purchase land in protected hill areas. The Kukis argued that this would further strengthen the Meitei community's influence over the state's governance and societal structures.

The Kuki community's apprehensions are rooted in the belief that such inclusion would disrupt the existing balance of power and resource allocation in the state. They contend that the Meitei community already holds substantial sway in political and administrative matters, and extending ST status would exacerbate this dominance, potentially leading to the marginalization of tribal communities. This development has added another layer to the ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, contributing to the complexity of the conflict.

Last Year: What escalated the matter?

The existence of the Kuki community is under threat because people from the same community hold power in the government. First, they tried to push the Kuki community off their own land under the pretext of illegal immigration, then they cracked down on opium farming, and now they're demanding Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. This is why the tribal communities opposed every demand from the Meiteis and targeted the government. Following this, tribal groups called for a complete shutdown on April 28 in protest against the state government's actions. On that same day, there was another incident involving Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at an open-air gym.

The day before the inauguration, there was a visit to Chura Chandpur, but a crowd set fire to the gym and vandalized it. On April 28, Section 144 was imposed, and internet services were shut down for five days. There were clashes between protesters and the police, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. After that, the situation escalated, and the All-Tribal Student Union of Manipur (ATSUM) decided to hold a solidarity march in all the hill districts on May 3, reportedly with over 60,000 protesters showing up.

A rally in Chura Chandpur district turned violent, sparking clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in and around the area. This is where a terrible wave of violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023. Most of the violence was concentrated in the Imphal valley, with attacks on homes and churches in non-tribal areas. People were being killed, and a curfew was imposed in eight districts. The situation got so bad that the government ordered shoot-on-sight measures, and internet services in the state were also shut down.

After that, the central government suspended everything and sent five companies of the Rapid Action Force to the area. About 10,000 soldiers from the army, paramilitary, and central armed police forces were deployed in Manipur. On May 4, the central government implemented Article 355 and took control of the security situation in Manipur. A panel was then formed, led by a retired Chief Justice, to investigate the violence. Additionally, a peace committee was established, which included the governor, security advisors, and local people, along with the CBI.

The investigation into the violence-related conspiracy cases was assigned to someone, but on the other hand, political statements only fueled the violence instead of stopping it. After the violence broke out in the state, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh acknowledged that the situation was getting tenser. During this period of violence, we witnessed many incidents that were shameful for humanity. On July 19, 2023, he mentioned that the riots were sparked by misunderstandings between two communities and urged for a return to normalcy. However, despite all of this, the situation in Manipur is still far from normal.

In Manipur, over 200 people have been killed so far, and to curb the violence, there’s a massive deployment of soldiers, paramilitary forces, and police.

It feels like nothing is working here. One reason could be the separatist policies of the militants. Just a few days ago, the military forces took out three militant bunkers in the hilly areas during an operation. We keep hearing about clashes between the military and the militants almost every day. Plus, recently, local people expressed their anger over the deployment of armed forces. Another question is,

Where are both communities getting so many modern weapons like rock drones from? It’s a bit like Myanmar, you know?

How has the Myanmar conflict influenced the supply of illegal weapons in Manipur?

The supply of illegal weapons from neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar, is a growing concern in Manipur. According to the United States Institute of Peace, the military coup in Myanmar has significantly weakened India's economic and security interests in Southeast Asia. The ongoing conflict between Myanmar's military forces and the People's Defense Forces (PDF) has created intense fighting near India's borders, especially in western and northwestern Myanmar.

This unrest near the Indian border raises suspicions that militants in Manipur could be obtaining weapons through Myanmar. The proximity of the conflict to Manipur's borders makes it feasible for arms to be smuggled into India, potentially fueling the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Additionally, there is speculation that Myanmar may be supporting some militant factions operating within Manipur, either directly or indirectly through the flow of arms.

The easy availability of such modern weapons, including drones and rocket launchers, has escalated the scale of violence in the region, with militants becoming more emboldened in their attacks. The presence of sophisticated weapons and the inability to control their flow into Manipur has not only worsened the conflict but also made it harder for security forces to maintain peace and stability in the state. This illegal arms supply is seen as one of the significant factors behind the prolonged unrest in Manipur.

Besides this, these militants continue to carry out incidents like stealing weapons from security forces' arsenals. According to a statement by Chief Minister N. Birendra Singh, the police have recovered only 1,757 weapons and 22,707 rounds of ammunition out of nearly 5,600 weapons and 6.5 million rounds of ammunition looted from the Manipur police arsenal. This means a large number of weapons are still in the hands of these militants, which have played a significant role in escalating violence. The most pressing question now is why the violence in Manipur isn't stopping. This entire conflict is essentially between two ethnic groups.

Since the violence between the Kukis and Meiteis, both communities have completely isolated themselves from each other. There's a sense of separation and a loss of trust. Each side has fortified themselves with bunkers and has a lot of weapons; neither feels weaker than the other. Whenever they get the chance, they attack one another and then hide back in their bunkers. The uneven terrain of Manipur makes it hard to catch them. But the way to resolve this issue is through mutual trust and dialogue. The government needs to bring all parties together.

What is causing the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, and how can it be resolved?

The conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur is rooted in several complex factors, including ethnic, political, and economic disparities:

1. Ethnic Tensions and Land Rights: One of the primary causes of tension is the land reform act, which restricts the Meitei community from settling in the hilly areas, while the Kukis, a predominantly hill-dwelling tribe, face discrimination in the valley. The fear that granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis will allow them to buy land in these reserved hilly areas has heightened the conflict.
   
2. Political Power Imbalance: The Meitei community already holds significant political influence, controlling a large portion of the state’s assembly seats. The Kukis and other tribal communities feel marginalized, and granting ST status to the Meiteis may further consolidate their power, deepening the feelings of exclusion among the Kukis.
   
3. Drug and Opium Cultivation: The anti-opium campaign launched by the Manipur government has also contributed to the conflict. Kukis, who have a long history of opium farming, feel targeted by the government’s actions, which have disrupted their livelihood. Many believe this crackdown is an excuse to assert control over the hill regions.
   
4. Illegal Weapon Supply and Border Tensions: The conflict in neighboring Myanmar has led to the smuggling of illegal weapons into Manipur, arming militant groups and escalating the violence. These arms inflows have intensified the conflict, making it harder to control.

How can the conflict be resolved?

1. Dialogue and Reconciliation: The first step toward resolving the conflict is to bring all stakeholders—Meitei, Kuki, and other tribal leaders—together on a single platform to engage in open and transparent discussions. The government should act as a neutral mediator, encouraging both sides to voice their concerns and fears. A truth and reconciliation commission could help rebuild trust by acknowledging historical grievances and offering reparations where necessary.
2. Balanced Political Representation: The power imbalance needs to be addressed through political reforms. Ensuring fair representation for the Kukis and other tribal groups in the state assembly would help mitigate the feeling of marginalization. Electoral reforms could be introduced to ensure that minority voices are adequately represented in governance.
3. Land Rights and Autonomy: The land rights issue is one of the most sensitive aspects of the conflict. A review of the current land reform act could provide solutions that balance the rights of the Meiteis and the Kukis. Local governance in the hill areas should be strengthened through autonomous councils that give the tribal communities greater control over their lands and resources.
4. Economic Empowerment and Development: Addressing the economic disparity between the valley and hill regions is crucial. The government should invest more in infrastructure and development projects in the hill areas, including education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. Special programs should be created to provide alternatives to opium cultivation, offering the Kuki people new economic opportunities.
5. Security and Arms Control: The government should intensify efforts to curb the illegal arms trade and work with Myanmar to prevent the smuggling of weapons across the border. Strengthening border security and collaboration with local communities to monitor insurgent activities can reduce the influx of weapons fueling the violence.
6. Anti-Discrimination Policies: Finally, the government must implement policies that actively reduce discrimination rather than exacerbate it. This includes creating legal frameworks that protect the rights of all ethnic groups and ensuring equal access to opportunities in education, employment, and land ownership.

Conclusion:

The conflict in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei communities is a deeply complex issue, rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic factors. To achieve lasting peace, it is essential to address the core issues—ethnic tensions, political power imbalances, economic disparities, and land rights—through thoughtful dialogue and inclusive policies. The state must foster reconciliation by bringing both communities to the table, creating fair political representation, and ensuring equitable development across the region. Efforts to reduce illegal arms flow and promote economic alternatives to opium cultivation are equally crucial. Ultimately, a peaceful resolution can only be achieved when the insecurities and grievances of both communities are recognized, respected, and resolved through fair and compassionate governance. A united and inclusive Manipur is not only possible but necessary for the well-being of all its people.

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