Manipur, the northeastern state in India, has been experiencing serious ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki groups since May 2023. The violent operations largely erupted over the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei tribe, which the Kukis opposed. The move deepened long-standing rivalry over economic benefits and land ownership, which triggered unrest causing infrastructure losses and large number of casualties. According to recent reports, the clashes in the State resulted in over 260 casualties with around 1500 injured and 70,000 people displaced.[1] Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been criticized for its ineffective response and political insensitivity that have impeded any reconciliation efforts. The BJP government has failed to either take protective measures or any steps to de-escalate the tensions, resultantly extending the conflict with wider ramifications for social and economic stability. Following criticism for his government’s inability to overcome the crisis, Manipur’s Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned, following which the state assembly has been suspended since Feb 13. Recently a group of 10 MLAs met the Governor to discuss the formation of a popular government in Manipur with the support of 44 MLAs, while the total strength of the state assembly stands at 60.[2]
