In India’s restive northeastern state of Manipur, fresh ethnic violence has erupted, resulting in one fatality and the burning of houses, according to officials. The region has been tense following inter-ethnic violence earlier this month, which claimed the lives of at least 70 people and displaced tens of thousands.
Some 2,000 houses were also burned down across the state that borders Myanmar.
The violence was triggered by the Kuki tribal group’s anger over perceived preferential treatment given to the majority Meitei community in terms of government jobs. This also stoked long-held fears among the Kuki that the Meitei might also be allowed to acquire land in areas currently reserved for them and other tribal groups.
The military has deployed troops, imposed curfews, and cut off internet access in the state. In the Bishnupur district, an indefinite curfew was reinstated after suspected militants fired upon a group of people, resulting in one death. The militants also set fire to abandoned houses near a relief camp. The home of local minister Govindas Konthoujam was attacked and looted during their absence. India’s northeastern region has a long history of ethnic and separatist conflicts, with Manipur witnessing significant unrest and over 50,000 deaths since the 1950s.
“While Indian media is busy with Modi, Manipur is burning,” said Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research, while sharing a video clip of a building from Manipur being burnt.
While Indian media is busy with Modi, Manipur is burning! pic.twitter.com/7LMRLAGUa9
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) May 25, 2023
