Manipur has been a tinderbox for already 2 years now, as between the Meitei and Kuki tribes escalating daily clashes grow into a full-scale crisis. The conflict, primarily driven by the Meitei community’s demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, has led to numerous deaths, displacement, and destruction. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, on February 9, 2025, stepped down in another political turmoil event of the current impasse of the state.
Origins of the Conflict
The Meitei people, the largest group in Manipur, have long been seeking to be classified as part of the ST category and their effort sadly is opposed by the Kuki people. When the High Court in 2023 lifted the barriers in favor of tribal status of the Meitei community, this led to violent clashes, with both groups with substantial losses.
Timeline of the Manipur Violence
2022: Early Signs of Unrest
- **November 7, 2022: The Manipur government overturned previous orders from the 1970s and 1980s, removing certain villages from the proposed Churachandpur-Khopum Reserve Forest. This move led to tensions between tribal communities and the state.
2023: Violence Erupts
- February 2023: As per the state government, an eviction drive has been launched displacing forest dwellers in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts by labelling them as encroachers.
- March 10, 2023: Withdrawal from a suspension of operations agreement with Kuki militant factions by the government has led to further escalation of the conflict.
- April 20, 2023: The Manipur High Court directed the state government to consider including Meiteis in the ST list, intensifying community resentment.
- April 28, 2023: [Section 144] was enforced in various districts and internet services were cut off as demonstrations and security force violence became more violent.
- May 3, 2023: A large-scale tribal solidarity march, organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM), protested against Meitei inclusion in the ST category. Violence occurred in the Torbung location of Churachandpur which resulted in mass killing, arson and flight.
- May 4, 2023: The state government issued shoot-at-sight orders as violence escalated, deploying the Army, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and state police to control the situation.
- July 2023: A video surfaced showing two Kuki women being paraded naked by Meitei men after their village was destroyed. The footage led to nationwide outrage and protests.
- July 20, 2023: CM Biren Singh justified the imposition of internet blockade in the state on the ground of security.
- July 29, 2023: The CBI took over the investigation into the attack on Kuki women.
- August 2023: [Two rounds of formal peace negotiations led to a short truce between Meitei and Kuki communities].
- August 7, 2023: Since the crisis, the Supreme Court itself gave suo motu cognizance and constituted a committee for relief and rehabilitation activities.
- September 7, 2023: Fresh fighting occurred in Jiribam district, between Meitei and Kuki populations.
- October 5, 2023: The dwelling of human rights activist Babloo Loitongbam got damaged as ongoing tension prevails.
- November 11, 2023: Armed men attacked a relief camp, killing eight Meitei residents, triggering renewed violence.
2024: Political Interventions and Continued Unrest
- September 17, 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for dialogue between Kuki and Meitei communities to restore peace.
- December 31, 2024: CM Biren Singh publicly apologized for the loss of hundreds of lives during the prolonged ethnic conflict.
2025: Resignation of CM Biren Singh
- January 2025: CM Biren Singh requested Naga leaders to intervene and bring about a resolution to the crisis.
- January 17, 2025: The Union Home Ministry (MHA) advised members of Kuki Council to carry out political dialogue as a peaceful solution, .
- February 9, 2025: Amidst mounting pressure and continued unrest, CM Biren Singh resigned from his post, marking a significant political shift in the state’s leadership.
The Road Ahead
Here, more than 280 people have perished, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and a fragile political situation continues to grip the community. The resignation of CM Biren Singh leaves the state at a crossroads, with urgent calls for peace and reconciliation between the warring communities. It is to be seen if the incoming leadership can effectively address the deep ethnic cleavages and bring about stability.
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