Imphal: In response to fresh outbreaks of violence in Manipur, authorities have reinstated a curfew in the Imphal Valley and its adjacent areas. Recent developments have marked an escalation in the ongoing conflict, intensifying the unstable situation in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the latest incidents included the torching of five houses in a village near Imphal, signaling a continuation of the unrest that has plagued the area. The violence primarily pits the Meitei against the Kuki communities, with each accusing the other of instigating clashes. Observers have criticized the state government for its passive role in addressing the burgeoning crisis.
The conflict has been deadly, with reports from last year indicating that hundreds have died due to ethnic violence. In a bid to control the situation, state police and Indian armed forces have launched combing operations throughout Manipur. These operations have reportedly intensified hardships for the local populace, adding to the already tense environment.
The demand for independence from some factions within Manipur poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has faced scrutiny over its management of the situation. The continued unrest not only affects national stability but has also attracted international concern, with global observers questioning the effectiveness of the government’s approach to resolving the deep-rooted ethnic conflict.