Manipur marks one year of ethnic conflict

Prayer meetings, rallies and shutdowns were held in several parts of Meiteimajority Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo-dominated hills districts of Manipur as the northeastern state marked one year of the beginning of ethnic clashes and conflict that have imposed a heavy cost resulting in total deaths of about 226 persons and 16 security personnel.

More than 1,500 people have been injured and around 60,000 people displaced within the state, and at least 13,247 structures have been gutted or destroyed. At least 28 people continue to be missing or presumed kidnapped or murdered, according to a report in The Indian Express on Friday.

Last year on May 3, a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and the Kuki communities.

The conflict, which has impacted everyday life in myriad ways, has claimed more than 200 lives and displaced many thousands, according to a PTI report.