Six people, including one civilian, were killed in renewed violence between two ethnic groups in Manipur, northeastern India, on Saturday, authorities reported.
The conflict involves the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki groups, who have clashed intermittently since last year. The violence escalated after a court ruling suggested extending the economic benefits and job quotas, currently enjoyed by the mainly Christian Kuki, to the predominantly Hindu Meiteis. Over 225 people have died, and around 60,000 have been displaced since the unrest began, according to reports.
Saturday’s incident marked the highest number of casualties in a single day since the latest surge of violence a week ago. Earlier in the week, drones were reportedly used to drop explosives, signaling a major escalation. Authorities suspect Kuki militants of using the drones, though Kuki groups have denied this.
Krishna Kumar, deputy commissioner of Jiribam district, said, “Fighting has been ongoing between armed groups from both communities since the morning.” Indian media also reported that the civilian was killed while sleeping in his home.
To control the situation, security forces have been deployed, and the state has ordered all schools to remain closed on Saturday.
Manipur, a state with a population of 3.2 million, has been divided into two ethnic zones since the conflict began in May 2023. The Meiteis control the valley, while the Kuki dominate the surrounding hills, separated by a buffer zone monitored by federal forces.
On September 1, two people were killed, and several were injured in Imphal West district. Later in the week, a 78-year-old man was killed, and six others were injured when a rocket, fired by militants, hit a former chief minister’s house in Bishnupur district.
