Imphal: Escalating violence in Manipur, India, has resulted in the deaths of five individuals in a recent outbreak in Jiribam district, continuing the disturbing trend of conflict between ethnic groups in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the violence ignited when armed individuals forcefully entered the residence of a man who lived alone, killing him in his sleep. This act set off a subsequent shootout involving the intruders and armed locals, culminating in the deaths of four more people involved in the exchange.

The ongoing strife between the Kuki and Meitei ethnic communities began on May 3, 2023, and has since resulted in a significant number of casualties, predominantly among Christians. The conflict has also displaced around 60,000 individuals, many of whom have sought refuge in relief camps or have escaped to neighboring states including Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya.

Further complicating the crisis, recent revelations from audio tapes published by The Wire and presented to the Commission of Inquiry for Manipur Violence indicate possible direct involvement of BJP Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and his administration in exacerbating the ethnic conflict.

The situation remains tense in Manipur, with authorities and community leaders struggling to mediate peace and restore stability in the affected areas.