Ethnic Violence in Manipur Leaves Thousands Displaced as Tensions Continue

In India’s northeastern state of Manipur, ethnic violence has uprooted thousands, leaving many like Phalneivah Khonsai stranded in squalid relief camps 19 months after fleeing their homes. Khonsai, along with her husband and three children, was forced to abandon their house, which was torched by a mob, in May last year when violence erupted between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribes. Now living in a cramped government building turned relief center in Kangpokpi, Khonsai and other displaced families face dire conditions with little hope of returning home due to ongoing threats of violence.

The clashes, which began over demands for Meitei recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, have claimed over 250 lives and displaced at least 60,000 people. The violence has split the state into two ethnic zones, one controlled by the Meiteis and the other by the Kuki-Zos, with both sides forming militias to patrol the areas. Despite a lull in fighting in recent months, the situation remains tense, with occasional flare-ups, including a deadly incident in November.

Displaced individuals from both communities, including Khonsai and Meitei refugee Yengsom Junksom Memi, live in constant fear, unable to return to their homes. While the Meitei community has sought refuge in camps in Imphal, Kuki-Zo families have fled to the hills. Accusations of government bias and ethnic unrest continue to fuel the division, with calls for federal rule and administrative autonomy for the Kuki-Zo community.

As the region struggles with political and ethnic strife, the humanitarian crisis remains dire, with no clear path to peace or resolution for those caught in the conflict.