IMPHAL: Manipur experienced a year of intense turmoil in 2024, marked by escalating tensions between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki tribes in the hills.
This deepening divide led to numerous casualties, widespread violence, mob attacks, and even drone strikes targeting civilian areas.
Once known for its cultural harmony, the state is now grappling with severe divisions, leaving thousands displaced and communities living in constant fear.
Tensions show no signs of easing, and peace remained elusive throughout the year.
The year began with violence when four villagers were killed by cadres of the banned Peoples’ Liberation Army in Thoubal district on January 1.
The killings, linked to disputes over money from the illegal drug trade, prompted the state government to impose prohibitory orders across all five valley districts.
ALSO READ: Gun and bomb attacks hit Manipur as armed men target two villages, says police
In February, armed assailants raided the residence of Additional SP Moirangthem Amit Singh in Imphal East district, damaging property.
During the attack, the additional SP and one of his escorts were abducted but were later rescued in Imphal West district.
The Lok Sabha elections in April were held amidst mounting ethnic tensions.
While the second phase of polling proceeded peacefully, the first phase saw widespread violence, including shootings, intimidation, EVM destruction, and allegations of booth capturing.
In June, ethnic violence spread to Jiribam district, which borders Assam.
The discovery of a body in the district triggered a fresh wave of violence, arson, and gunfights between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
ALSO READ: Two militants arrested in Manipur
More than 1,000 people were displaced as violence engulfed the once-peaceful district.
A new form of warfare emerged in September when suspected Kuki youths dropped drone-operated bombs on Koutruk village and Senjam Chirang in Imphal West, killing a woman and injuring nine others.
Shortly after, an unguided rocket was fired from Churachandpur district, hitting Moirang in Bishnupur and killing an elderly man while injuring five more.
The conflict continued to escalate with frequent clashes between students and security forces in Imphal, resulting in over 50 student injuries.
On November 11, armed Kuki-Zo youths attacked the Borobekra police station and Jakuradhor Karong locality in Jiribam, sparking a gunfight that killed 10 Kuki youths.
The situation worsened when eight people, including three women and three children, went missing.
The next day, the bodies of two elderly Meitei men were discovered in the burnt remains of Jakuradhor.
A photo showing the kidnapped women and children in captivity went viral, leading to outrage among the Meitei community.
Protests erupted across Imphal Valley and Jiribam, with mobs targeting the homes of local legislators and setting fire to BJP leaders’ properties.
By mid-November, the violence claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
