Manipur, a northeastern state of India, has been engulfed in turmoil once again following the resurgence of ethnic violence between the majority Meitei people and the minority Kuki community. On September 10, 2024, state authorities responded to the situation by ordering an internet blackout and imposing a curfew to contain the spiraling unrest after days of violence. This marks yet another chapter in the ongoing conflict, which has torn the region apart for over a year, with deep-seated ethnic and political divisions at its core.
Manipur has long been a powder keg of ethnic strife, with tensions simmering between the Hindu-majority Meitei community, which predominantly resides in the Imphal Valley, and the Christian-majority Kuki people, who are concentrated in the hilly regions surrounding the valley. These groups have historically competed for land, political power, and access to public jobs, fostering an atmosphere of hostility and mutual distrust.
The most recent wave of violence comes after a brief period of relative calm, but it is not an isolated incident. Since May 2023, the state has witnessed repeated clashes, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Official figures from the government indicate that the violence has displaced around 60,000 residents from their homes. While thousands have managed to return home, ongoing tensions have prevented many from doing so, leaving the state deeply fragmented along ethnic lines.
The latest eruption of violence, which claimed at least 11 lives, has prompted widespread protests in the state capital, Imphal. The protestors, mostly from the Meitei community, have been demanding that security forces take decisive action against Kuki insurgent groups, who are blamed for the recent attacks. Despite the imposition of a curfew, hundreds of people defied the restrictions, taking to the streets to voice their frustrations and call for justice.
In response to the growing unrest, the state’s home ministry issued an order to shut down all internet and mobile data services for five days. The blackout is aimed at preventing the spread of disinformation and hate speech through social media, which authorities fear could further inflame tensions. The government notice stated, “Some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public.” To maintain law and order, the government deemed it necessary to restrict access to digital communication.
This is not the first time internet services have been cut in Manipur. Last year, during the initial outbreak of violence, the state experienced months-long internet blackouts, disrupting the lives of millions of residents and curbing the flow of information both within the state and to the outside world. While these measures are meant to curb violence, they also create challenges for residents trying to communicate with their families and access essential services.
The curfew, which was imposed on September 10, seeks to control the movement of people and prevent further protests. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as the protests in Imphal and other parts of the state indicate a deep-seated frustration among the population, many of whom feel that the government is not doing enough to address the root causes of the conflict.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur has seen a significant escalation in recent weeks, with both sides blaming each other for the violence. According to local authorities, the recent spate of attacks involved improvised projectile weapons and drones, which killed 11 people and injured several others. In a statement, the police described the use of such tactics as a “significant escalation” of violence. These insurgent attacks have intensified the fear and uncertainty that already grips the region.
On September 9, a series of protests by student-led groups turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police forces. Protestors reportedly hurled stones and plastic bottles at security personnel, prompting the police to fire tear gas to disperse the crowds. In another district, the situation escalated when protesters snatched arms from police officers and opened fire on them, injuring two policemen. The growing intensity of these clashes underscores the deep divisions that exist in Manipur and the difficulty of maintaining peace and order in the state.
At the heart of the conflict is the competition for land and public resources between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Meiteis, who form the majority in the Imphal Valley, have long sought greater political control and access to land, while the Kukis, who inhabit the hill areas, have historically fought for greater autonomy and recognition of their distinct ethnic identity. This struggle has been exacerbated by the state’s political leadership, with rights activists accusing local politicians of exploiting ethnic divisions for political gain.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently governs Manipur. The party, known for its Hindu nationalist stance, has been criticized for not doing enough to bridge the divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Some political observers argue that the BJP’s focus on consolidating Hindu support in the state has further alienated the Kuki community, contributing to the deepening ethnic divide.
As Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic violence, the road to peace remains uncertain. The state has witnessed several attempts at peace negotiations between the various ethnic groups, but these efforts have largely failed to produce lasting solutions. The cycle of violence, displacement, and political maneuvering has left Manipur deeply fractured, with no easy resolution in sight.
In the short term, the government’s focus is on restoring law and order by enforcing the internet blackout and curfew. However, addressing the underlying causes of the conflict-including competition for land and public resources, political manipulation, and ethnic mistrust-will require long-term efforts. Both the state and central governments must prioritize inclusive dialogue, economic development, and social harmony to rebuild trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
For now, Manipur remains on edge, with its people caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. The recent internet blackout and curfew may bring a temporary halt to the violence, but without meaningful reconciliation and reform, the state is likely to continue facing periodic eruptions of unrest.
