NEW DELHI: Deadly ethnic violence continued to spread across India’s northeastern state of Manipur, with renewed clashes, killings and arson attacks deepening a conflict that has already claimed more than 260 lives and displaced around 60,000 people since 2023.
The latest unrest has also intensified criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with opposition leaders and activists questioning New Delhi’s handling of the prolonged crisis and the continued silence of the prime minister.
The violence has expanded beyond the long-running conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to involve members of the Naga community.
More than a dozen people have reportedly been killed in recent weeks, including three Kuki church leaders who were shot dead in an ambush. Dozens of people have also reportedly been abducted, according to Indian media reports.
The violence marks one of the most serious escalations since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal population, which largely inhabits the surrounding hills.
Indian government had deployed paramilitary forces after the initial outbreak, but tensions have persisted despite security operations.
Modi govt fails to restore peace
According to Indian reports, several houses were recently set ablaze in Imphal district, raising fresh concerns over security in the state. Opposition leaders argued that government efforts have failed to restore lasting peace and prevent recurring unrest.
Manipur has remained engulfed in a protracted ethnic conflict since May 2023. More than 260 people have been killed and around 60,000 displaced by repeated clashes, arson attacks and bombings.
Kuki representatives and activists alleged systematic persecution of the Kuki-Zo community. They claimed that more than 250 Kukis have been killed since May 2023 and accused state authorities of failing to provide adequate protection.
Kuki community leaders have appealed to the United Nations, the United States and other international bodies to investigate human rights abuses and violence in the region.
They have also renewed demands for a separate administrative arrangement for Kuki-majority areas, arguing that such a framework is necessary to ensure security and political representation.
Church voices concern
Religious leaders have also expressed alarm over the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
In a letter to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal said thousands of people had been displaced and described the situation as “grim and tense”. He said more than 300 churches and Christian institutions had been destroyed during the violence, according to ACN.
The archbishop said political solutions had yet to emerge and criticised the continued silence and apathy of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
He added that the Church was providing humanitarian assistance, including food, medical aid, psychological support and educational help for displaced families.
Prime Minister Modi visited Manipur in September last year.
