Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Manipur have imposed a strict curfew in several districts following a fresh outbreak of ethnic violence that left multiple people injured and prompted fears of renewed large-scale unrest. The government’s move came after confrontations between rival groups escalated over the weekend, threatening to destabilize the fragile peace in the region.
According to local officials, the latest wave of violence involved clashes between members of the Meitei and Kuki communities—two ethnic groups long divided over land rights, political representation, and access to resources. The violence erupted in the districts of Bishnupur and Churachandpur, where reports of gunfire, arson, and vandalism prompted security forces to intervene and restore order.
A senior police officer confirmed that several homes were torched, and at least six individuals sustained injuries during the clashes. Law enforcement officials said they had increased deployments in the affected areas and imposed indefinite curfews to prevent further escalation. Internet services have also been suspended to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic tensions since May 2023, when widespread violence erupted following a controversial decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. The move was strongly opposed by Kuki and other tribal groups, who feared it would undermine their constitutional protections and access to government benefits.
Since then, hundreds of people have been killed and thousands displaced in recurring waves of conflict. Despite multiple visits by central government officials and pledges of reconciliation, peace has remained elusive, with sporadic outbreaks continuing to disrupt daily life.
The latest curfew order is part of a broader security strategy aimed at containing the violence and safeguarding civilians. Officials have urged residents to remain indoors and cooperate with law enforcement, warning that violators of the curfew will face strict legal action.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, calling on the Indian government to ensure the protection of all communities and to pursue dialogue rather than military responses. Critics argue that the central and state governments have failed to address the root causes of the conflict, including long-standing grievances over ethnic identity, discrimination, and political marginalization.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded a special session of Parliament to discuss the crisis, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of neglecting the region and mishandling the conflict. In response, Home Ministry officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts for those affected.
As tensions remain high, community leaders and civil society groups have called for restraint and renewed efforts at reconciliation. Religious leaders from both Meitei and Kuki communities have also appealed for peace, warning that continued violence will only deepen divisions and prolong suffering.
With the curfew now in effect and security forces maintaining a heavy presence, Manipur stands at another critical juncture. The path to lasting peace, residents say, will depend not only on restoring order but on addressing the deep-seated social and political divides that have fueled years of unrest.
Source: Shia Waves
