Manipur ethnic conflict: Security heightened ahead of second anniversary

Locals in Churachandpur visit the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ erected to honour of lives lost during the ongoing conflict in the violence-hit State.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Security in Manipur has been heightened amid calls for a shutdown to mark the second anniversary of the ethnic conflict between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that broke out on May 3, 2023.

Security personnel intensified patrolling in the “buffer zone” – the foothills around the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley – and frisking of vehicles in vulnerable locations in the valley as well as in the adjoining Churachandpur and Kangpokpi hill districts dominated by the Kuki-Zo people.

‘Separation Day’

At least two students’ organisations belonging to the Kuki-Zo group of tribes called for a shutdown of all educational institutions, shops, and commercial establishments on Saturday (May 3, 2025), which an apex tribal organisation said would be observed as ‘Separation Day’.

“The event will be a day of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the ethnic conflict that has deeply impacted the Kuki-Zo communities. It will feature a series of programmes, including prayers and exhortations for the victims and their families,” the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum said.

The Kuki-Zo community has been demanding a separate administration as the “only solution” to the ethnic conflict that has claimed more than 250 lives and displaced about 60,000 people.

People’s convention

In the Imphal Valley, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity will organise a people’s convention where civil society organisation leaders, scholars, eminent personalities, and internally displaced people will deliver speeches. A candlelight tribute will be paid to the victims of the conflict.

‘Peace Day’

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), an apex body of the Thadou community that resents being clubbed as Kuki, has appealed to the people of the State to collectively observe May 3 as ‘Peace Day’ every year, instead of creating “antagonistic” and “communal” vibes.

“As we observe May 3 this year and pray for peace, we honour the memory of those who have fallen victims to the tragic violence and extend our deepest empathy to the survivors and their families,” the TIM said in a statement. “Although being the most affected yet silenced victims of the two-year-old violence, the Thadou community has shown a remarkable resilience in advocating for peace through mutual understanding and respect among all indigenous communities who call Manipur home,” the organisation said.

Divided State

The ethnic conflict erupted after tribals took out a solidarity march to protest the Manipur government’s alleged move toward granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis.

The Kuki-Zo and the Meitei people have stayed apart since, unable to go into each other’s areas.

On March 8, the Centre tried to ensure “free movement” on the State’s two arterial highways, but opposition from the Kuki-Zos made it an exercise in futility. The highways, connecting the Imphal Valley to the country beyond, pass through Kuki-Zo areas.

The attempt to open the highways came a month after Nongthombam Biren Singh stepped down as the Chief Minister on February 9, a day before his government was to face a no-trust motion and a floor test in the 60-member Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to reach a consensus on his successor, leading to the imposition of the President’s Rule in the State on February 13.

A few days ago, 21 MLAs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding the immediate installation of a “popular government” in Manipur. They said there had been no visible actions to restore peace and normalcy under the President’s Rule.