Indian police have arrested 33 individuals following a resurgence of ethnic violence in the northeastern state of Manipur. The latest unrest has led authorities to impose a curfew and an Internet blackout in the region, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The violence, which initially erupted in May 2023 between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, has claimed over 200 lives. Despite a period of relative calm, renewed clashes have erupted this month, with at least 11 more people killed. The recent violence has seen insurgents using rockets and drones to escalate the conflict.
In response to the unrest, Manipur Police have also detained seven juveniles alongside the 33 adults. The police have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace and normalcy.
The state has seen an Internet shutdown reminiscent of last year's extended blackout. A curfew has been imposed, though many in the state capital, Imphal, have defied the restrictions. Meitei protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding more robust action against Kuki insurgent groups, whom they blame for the recent attacks.
The tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities are rooted in long-standing disputes over land and employment. Rights activists have criticized local leaders for inflaming ethnic divisions for political advantage.
Manipur, governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has seen significant displacement due to the ongoing conflict. Approximately 60,000 people were forced from their homes last year, and many have yet to return.
The situation remains volatile as authorities and residents grapple with the impact of the renewed violence.
The violence, which initially erupted in May 2023 between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community, has claimed over 200 lives. Despite a period of relative calm, renewed clashes have erupted this month, with at least 11 more people killed. The recent violence has seen insurgents using rockets and drones to escalate the conflict.
In response to the unrest, Manipur Police have also detained seven juveniles alongside the 33 adults. The police have urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace and normalcy.
The state has seen an Internet shutdown reminiscent of last year's extended blackout. A curfew has been imposed, though many in the state capital, Imphal, have defied the restrictions. Meitei protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding more robust action against Kuki insurgent groups, whom they blame for the recent attacks.
The tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities are rooted in long-standing disputes over land and employment. Rights activists have criticized local leaders for inflaming ethnic divisions for political advantage.
Manipur, governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has seen significant displacement due to the ongoing conflict. Approximately 60,000 people were forced from their homes last year, and many have yet to return.
The situation remains volatile as authorities and residents grapple with the impact of the renewed violence.
