POLITICS
Indian Government in Talks with Ethnic Groups Amid Rising Manipur Violence
The Indian government has initiated negotiations with the Meitei and Kuki communities, two ethnic groups locked in a violent conflict in the northeastern state of Manipur. This long-standing dispute, fueled by issues surrounding economic benefits, government job quotas, and educational opportunities, has resulted in the deaths of at least 225 people and displaced 60,000 since the violence erupted in May 2023.
Manipur, home to 3.2 million people, remains divided between two ethnic enclaves: the valley, dominated by the Meitei majority, and the Kuki-controlled hills. Federal paramilitary forces patrol the no-man’s land between the two regions, but tensions remain high.
In recent weeks, the violence has escalated. On September 7, clashes broke out again in Jiribam district, on the Myanmar border, with the use of drones to drop explosive devices marking a significant escalation. In response, the state government ordered all schools to remain shut on Saturday, prioritizing the safety of students and teachers.