At least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in violence-hit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Manipur state since May 2023.According to Kashmir Media Service, the state’s Home Minister, Govindas Konthoujam, informed the state Assembly that at least 306 people had been killed and 49 remained missing in the violence that had engulfed Manipur since May 2023. He further informed the House that the figures were valid up to August 31, 2026.The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023, following a Tribal Solidarity March held in Manipur’s hill districts.

The march was organised to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. The Meiteis make up around 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and are concentrated largely in the Imphal Valley. Tribals, including the Nagas and Kukis, account for about 40 per cent of the population and predominantly live in the hill districts. The prolonged conflict also led to a change in the state’s political administration. President’s rule was imposed on February 13, 2025, after the BJP-led government headed by N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9 amid continuing ethnic unrest. 

Manipur’s 60-member Legislative Assembly, whose term runs until 2027, was placed under suspended animation following the imposition of President’s rule. President’s rule was revoked on February 4, 2026, and a new government led by BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was formed, with him becoming the state’s Chief minister. Earlier, on June 18, 2001, a massive protest broke out in the Imphal Valley. The protest was triggered by the Government of India’s decision to extend the ceasefire agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) “without territorial limits”, which was widely perceived as a threat to Manipur’s territorial integrity. 

Demonstrators set fire to the Manipur Legislative Assembly and other government buildings in Imphal. Indian security forces opened fire, killing 18 people. On May 3, 2023, ethnic violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to widespread violence and arson. The conflict resulted in the displacement of around 60,000 people from their homes, while hundreds were killed and many others injured. According to data released by Manipur Police, as of September 15, 2023, 175 people had been killed, 1,118 injured and 33 reported missing. A total of 96 bodies remained unclaimed. 

Manipur was a historic independent kingdom for centuries before coming under British colonial control following the Anglo Manipuri War of 1891. On August 14, 1947 one day before the end of British rule in India Manipur regained its governing status and political independence under the Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947, which established an elected legislative assembly. Later, in September 1949, the then Maharaja of Manipur, Bodhchandra Singh, signed the Merger Agreement with the Government of India.

The agreement resulted in Manipur’s merger with India and the subsequent loss of its separate political status. The Meitei population rejected the agreement of the merger said that the Maharaja was not in a position to independently sign away Manipur’s political status. Later, various armed groups, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA), have subsequently challenged Indian control over Manipur. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)