Manipur Unrest: CM Biren Singh Resigns Amidst 20 Months of Ethnic Violence – A Timeline of the Crisis

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Imphal: After nearly two years of ethnic violence, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post on Sunday (February 9). The state has been engulfed in turmoil since 2023, with violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities over the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis.

The conflict erupted after the Manipur High Court cleared the way for the Meitei community’s inclusion in the ST category, triggering opposition from the Kuki tribes. The violence has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands, and led to large-scale arson and human rights violations.

Timeline of the Ethnic Violence in Manipur

  • November 7, 2022: Manipur government bypasses earlier orders (1970, 1980) and includes villages in the proposed Churachandpur-Khopum Reserve Forest.
  • February 2023: The state begins eviction drives, declaring Kuki forest dwellers as encroachers in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal.
  • March 2023: The Manipur cabinet withdraws from a ceasefire agreement with three Kuki militant groups, escalating tensions.
  • April 20, 2023: The Manipur High Court directs the government to consider granting ST status to Meiteis.
  • May 3, 2023: Ethnic violence erupts; over 221 killed, 60,000 displaced. Protests escalate following a “Tribal Solidarity March” against Meitei ST status.
  • May 4, 2023: Manipur government issues shoot-at-sight orders; Army, CRPF, and Assam Rifles deployed.
  • July 2023: A horrific video surfaces showing two Kuki women paraded naked by Meitei men, sparking nationwide outrage.
  • August 2023: Peace talks between Kuki and Meitei representatives begin.
  • September 2023 – November 2023: Renewed clashes and targeted attacks, including relief camp assaults and human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam’s house being vandalized.
  • December 31, 2024: CM Biren Singh apologizes for the violence and loss of lives.
  • February 9, 2025: Biren Singh resigns as CM amid continued unrest.

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