NEW DELHI: Manipur, which has been embroiled in ongoing ethnic violence between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities, was responsible for nearly 77% of all violent incidents across the entire Northeast in 2023, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ latest annual report.
The state saw a significant rise in violent incidents throughout the year, fuelled by escalating ethnic tensions.
This surge in violence resulted in higher casualties among both civilians and security forces when compared to the previous year.
Of the 243 total violent incidents reported across the Northeast, 187 occurred in Manipur.
In response to the unrest, counter-insurgency operations in the state led to the killing of 33 insurgents, the arrest of 184, and the recovery of 49 weapons.
Additionally, 80 insurgent group members surrendered, handing over 31 firearms.
The violence reached its peak on May 3, 2023, when large-scale ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in widespread casualties, injuries, and extensive arson.
While public order is primarily the responsibility of state governments, the central government has consistently supported Manipur in managing the situation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ report highlighted that immediate steps were taken by the central government to stabilize the situation.
These included engaging top Manipur officials, deploying additional Central Armed Police Forces, the Army, and Assam Rifles, as well as using helicopters and drones for surveillance.
A unified command system was also implemented to coordinate these efforts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur from May 29 to June 1, 2023, where he held over 15 meetings with security officers, political leaders, and civil society groups.
At his direction, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai monitored the situation directly in the state from May 25 to June 17, 2023.
Despite these efforts, intermittent violence continues to plague Manipur, where the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has claimed over 250 lives.
The state remains in a fragile state of unrest, as authorities work to restore peace and normalcy.
