Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, remains on edge after violent protests erupted following the discovery of six bodies believed to be kidnapped Meitei community members. Police arrested 23 individuals for ransacking and setting fire to the homes of lawmakers in the capital, Imphal. This incident marks the latest escalation in ongoing ethnic tensions between the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki communities.
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Rising Unrest and Protests
The violence began after a woman and her child, thought to belong to a missing Meitei family, were found dead in a river. A Kuki man’s body was also discovered, with authorities suspecting a link to the ongoing unrest. In response, an indefinite curfew and a suspension of internet services were imposed. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, leaving eight people injured.
A Year of Bloodshed
Since May 2023, intercommunal clashes have claimed at least 250 lives and displaced 60,000 residents. Tensions escalated last week when a 31-year-old Kuki woman was burned alive, with Kuki groups blaming Meitei rebels. These events have deepened the divide between the Meitei-controlled valley and Kuki-dominated hills, further fragmenting the state.
Political Reactions
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing the crisis, urging him to visit the state and foster reconciliation. Meanwhile, the National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), withdrew its support from the state government, citing the failure to resolve the crisis under Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Calls for Peace
The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for conflict resolution. Both the central and state governments face mounting pressure to restore peace. The shutdown of internet services, aimed at curbing unrest, highlights the complexity of managing tensions in a region divided along ethnic lines.
Manipur’s prolonged strife demands immediate intervention and a sustainable path toward reconciliation to ensure safety and unity in the state.
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