WHY MANIPUR IS STILL BURNING
India Today|June 26, 2023
A COMBUSTIBLE MIX OF HISTORY, IDENTITY POLITICS, FAITH AND BRUTAL TURF WARS KEEP THE FIRE OF THE MEITEI-KUKI CONFLICT RAGING IN THE STATE
KAUSHIK DEKA
WHY MANIPUR IS STILL BURNING

Over the past month and a half, Manipur has been seized by repeated cycles of violence, bloodletting and failed efforts at peace. Since May 3, when ethnic clashes first erupted in the northeastern state, 130 people have died, 352 have been injured and some 60,000 have had to flee their homes. The list under ‘still counting’...over 4,300 incidents of arson, nearly 3,500 houses destroyed in around 275 villages, 4,000 firearms looted by violent mobs from police armouries. All this despite Manipur being under a heavy security blanket—the state has India’s third-highest number of police personnel per 100,000 people; large parts of it are under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), with 114 companies of various central forces deployed. To top it all, a ‘double engine’ regime—BJP governments at the Centre and the state—is in power. ‘Triple engine’ if you count the not-inconsiderable presence of one of the party’s strongest leaders as a chief minister in the neighbourhood. And the Union home ministry (MHA) is constantly monitoring the situation.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView all
THE ABC OF WEIGHT LOSS
India Today

THE ABC OF WEIGHT LOSS

Medical research increasingly recognises obesity as more than just a cosmetic issue. Many governments, including India, now classify it as a disease—a metabolic abnormality marked by excess fat. Obesity is linked to 229 health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, infertility and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. However, combating obesity isn't just about willpower. According to Vikrant Shrotriya of Novo Nordisk India, who spoke on obesity treatments at the India Today Conclave, genetic and metabolic factors predispose individuals to consume more calories than needed. While food availability may have increased, human bodies remain wired to store fat for survival.

time-read
1 min  |
March 24, 2025
PROMISES TO KEEP
India Today

PROMISES TO KEEP

In her first major media interaction after assuming office, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta spoke on the priorities of her administration before confidently stating that her style of governance would be an absolute departure from that of her two predecessors, Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal and Atishi.

time-read
1 min  |
March 24, 2025
SUSTAINING THE ANDAMANS
India Today

SUSTAINING THE ANDAMANS

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT FUTURE

time-read
1 min  |
March 24, 2025
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE
India Today

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

With the world and the region in a state of constant turmoil, opinions about the preparedness of the armed forces often come from defence analysts. The audience at the India Today Conclave, however, got to hear all about it from the chiefs of the Indian army, air force and navy as they provided critical insights into India’s evolving security landscape. Army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi underscored the deepening military and strategic collusion between China and Pakistan, warning that the threat of a two-front war is very real. The continued threat of cross-border terrorism remains a concern—and though local recruitment in Kashmir has declined, Pakistan remains an instigator, with 60 per cent of neutralised terrorists being nationals of that country.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 24, 2025
REVANTH IS MORE THAN READY
India Today

REVANTH IS MORE THAN READY

Telangana chief minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, 55, is a man in a hurry. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, the first-time CM said his top priorities were making capital city Hyderabad future-ready, which includes making a bid for the 2036 Olympics.

time-read
1 min  |
March 24, 2025
THE NORTHEAST TRANSFORMATION
India Today

THE NORTHEAST TRANSFORMATION

There are no two views on the limitless possibilities within the Northeast. Unleashing that potential, though, has been a completely different matter. Discussing this and other topics germane to the Seven Sisters at the 2025 India Today Conclave was Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 24, 2025
A TIME FOR SOMETHING GRAND AND BIG
India Today

A TIME FOR SOMETHING GRAND AND BIG

Donald Trump has been in office for just over a month, but has already sent shock waves across the realms of geopolitics and world trade. He has imposed tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, and threatens to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries, including India, in April. Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed US Secretary of Commerce, is the key man leading the charge in global trade negotiations on behalf of Trump.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 24, 2025
THE ROBO REVOLUTION
India Today

THE ROBO REVOLUTION

We do not have competition within India. Our competition is with the US and China. If firms like ours get the right kind of support, India could be the next superpower in robotics and AI - Mukesh Bangar Founder, CTO & CEO, Muks Robotics

time-read
1 min  |
March 24, 2025
TRUMP IS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME -MIKE POMPEO
India Today

TRUMP IS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME -MIKE POMPEO

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo believes that Donald Trump's second term is largely a continuation of his first, the key difference being that Trump is now more prepared.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 24, 2025
A CONFLUENCE OF FAITH
India Today

A CONFLUENCE OF FAITH

Fresh off the success of the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath was at his buoyant best at the India Today Conclave, speaking at length on several issues, including the mega event and the criticism around it. Calling the grand congregation a testament to unity and discipline, he explained how the holy dip had played the great leveller, erased differences such as rich-poor or that between castes.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 24, 2025