Manipur on High Alert Amid Tensions Between Meitei and Kuki Communities
Since May 2023, the northeastern Indian state of Manipur has faced escalating violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, stemming from disputes over economic benefits and quotas. Recently, Manipur has been placed on high alert following intelligence reports indicating a potential influx of 900 suspected Kuki militants from Myanmar, according to a senior security official.
Kuldiep Singh, Manipur’s security adviser, informed reporters that this intelligence had been communicated to various agencies and that heightened vigilance has been implemented in hill districts, which are home to Kuki tribes. “The border police have been alerted, and combing operations are underway,” Singh stated.
However, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), representing the Kuki community, has denied these allegations and called for Singh’s resignation. They accused him of spreading false information while failing to ensure the safety of the Kuki people. “We no longer feel secure under his leadership… we would like to call for his resignation,” the KSO said in a statement.
The Kuki community, primarily residing in southern Manipur, shares ethnic ties with the Chin tribe in Myanmar. Recent intelligence reports also highlighted incidents involving explosives delivered by drones, which officials allege were carried out by Kuki militants. Kuki representatives, however, have denied any involvement in these attacks.
In response to the violence, Meitei protesters have organized large gatherings in Imphal, demanding action against Kuki militants. Despite ongoing efforts to quell the unrest, sporadic clashes continue, with recent violence resulting in 11 deaths earlier this month. Since May 2023, the conflict has claimed at least 237 lives and displaced over 60,000 residents in Manipur, which has a population of approximately 3.2 million.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has linked the violence to an influx of refugees following Myanmar’s military coup in 2021. In response to these tensions, the government revoked a longstanding policy allowing visa-free movement along the 1,650-km porous border and announced plans to construct a border fence at an estimated cost of 310 billion rupees ($3.71 billion). These measures have drawn criticism from Kuki groups due to their connections across the border.
Manipur remains divided into two ethnic enclaves: the Meitei-controlled valley and the Kuki-dominated hills, separated by a no-man’s land monitored by federal paramilitary forces.
