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The ethnic clashes in Manipur that began last month have resulted in the loss of at least 98 lives and leaving over 300 people injured. The clashes ensued following a Tribal Solidarity March held in 10 districts on May 3, which was organized to express opposition to the Meitei community’s request for Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification.
Following that, intense violence has been ongoing in various areas of the state. This violence stemmed from the preceding unrest concerning the eviction of Kuki villagers from forest land reserved for them, which triggered a sequence of smaller protests.
The Meitei community, making up approximately 53 percent of Manipur’s population, primarily resides in the Imphal Valley. On the other hand, the tribal groups, namely Nagas and Kukis, account for around 40 percent of the population and inhabit the hill districts.
Nevertheless, the situation in Manipur appears to have made progress, and the curfew imposed following the outbreak of violence has been partially lifted in several districts. In specific areas such as Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur, the curfew has been relaxed for a duration of 12 hours.
