2023-2024 Manipur violence

Ethnic violence broke out in Manipur, India, on 3 May 2023 between the Meitei people of the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities from the surrounding hill districts. As of 22 November 2024, official reports confirmed that 258 people had been killed, over 1,000 injured, 60,000 displaced, and 32 remained missing. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and numerous religious structures—including Hindu temples and Christian churches—were vandalized.

Unofficial estimates suggest that the actual numbers may be even higher.

 Background 
The violence was triggered by a legal and political dispute over Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. On 14 April 2023, the Manipur High Court issued an order that appeared to support the inclusion of the Meitei community in the ST category. The order was later criticized by the Supreme Court of India.

On 3 May, tribal communities protested the Meitei demand for ST status, while Meitei groups responded with counter-blockades and rallies. Clashes erupted near the borders of Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, resulting in widespread arson and destruction.

 Escalation 
Prior to the outbreak, tensions had already risen due to the policies of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a Meitei leader accused of targeting Kukis by linking them to illegal activities such as poppy cultivation, forest encroachment, and drug trafficking. In March 2023, Kuki groups staged protests against his government, and at one rally, burned down a venue that Singh was scheduled to inaugurate.

Singh was also supported by Meitei nationalist groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun (sometimes linked to UNLF), who backed his policies and participated in Meitei rallies during the initial clashes.

 Spread and violence 
The violence spread quickly after it started. It reached both the Imphal Valley and Churachandpur town. In each place, the minority groups were attacked. Some Kuki mobs burned houses, while large groups of Meitei people attacked Kuki civilians. The victims included students, government workers, soldiers, and politicians.

According to Reuters, around 77 Kukis and 10 Meiteis were killed in the first week of violence.

On 18 May 2023, ten Kuki lawmakers said they wanted a separate administration. They said that their people could not live with the Meiteis anymore.

After that, a group called COCOMI from the Meitei side said there was a "Manipuri national war" against what they called "Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists".

 Armed conflict 
By mid-2023, the conflict resembled a civil war. Both sides acquired arms—some legally, some from looted police armories. Militant groups constructed bunkers and defense outposts across affected regions.

Reports by October 2023 indicated that around 6,000 firearms, 600,000 rounds of ammunition, and other military-grade gear had been seized or stolen from government armories.

 Government response and fallout 
Despite widespread criticism, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh refused to resign throughout the crisis. His government and the police were accused of partiality. In the 2024 Indian general election, his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, lost both Lok Sabha seats in Manipur to the opposition Indian National Congress.

In early 2025, a Kuki civil group submitted audio recordings to the Supreme Court of India allegedly proving that Singh had incited violence. A forensic laboratory confirmed the voice matched Singh’s with 93% accuracy.

Singh resigned on 9 February 2025. Days later, the Indian government imposed President's Rule in Manipur, bringing the state under direct control of the Union Government through its appointed Governor.

 Related pages 
 Meitei people

 Notes 

 References

Category:2023 in India
Category:2024 in India
Category:2025 in India
Category:Ethnic riots in India
Category:Manipur-related controversies
Category:Manipur politics
Category:Conflicts in India