Manipur has been gripped by a fresh wave of violence over the past few days, with numerous attacks resulting in the loss of lives across multiple districts. The most recent incident in Jiribam district saw five people killed after suspected Kuki insurgents launched an assault on Nungchappi village, located approximately 230 kilometers from the state capital, Imphal. The attack occurred early in the morning, with one individual shot dead in his sleep. A subsequent exchange of gunfire between members of two rival communities led to the deaths of four more people, including three hill-based militants.Â
The violence did not stop there, as the districts of Kakching and Bishnupur also witnessed bloodshed. In Bishnupur, rocket attacks claimed one life and injured five others, including a young girl. The attacks, which took place around 4:30 a.m., damaged several structures, with rockets targeting residential areas, including the compound of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng’s residence in Moirang town.
This surge in violence has prompted swift action from Manipur authorities. The state police, facing a new wave of threats, including the use of drones for aerial bombing, deployed anti-drone systems in the affected regions. Additional security forces have also been called in to conduct combing operations in the hilly areas where militant activity has been reported. Military helicopters are now patrolling the skies to monitor movements and prevent further attacks.
The deployment of drones has alarmed the local population, with multiple sightings creating widespread fear, particularly in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts. On Friday night, residents of several villages, including Narainsena and Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur, and Pukhao and Shantipur in Imphal East, turned off their lights after spotting drones in the vicinity, fearing further attacks.
In response to this rising tension, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh convened an emergency meeting with leaders of the ruling coalition, including representatives from the BJP, Naga People's Front, and National People's Party. The meeting, held to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation, was followed by a discussion with Governor Lakshman Acharya. The government has faced increasing pressure to take decisive action in restoring peace and stability, especially as violence escalates in riot-hit areas.
One of the most vocal critics of the government’s handling of the situation has been the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which has issued a strong ultimatum to the Indian Armed Forces. COCOMI is demanding immediate military action against the Kuki militant groups that are believed to be responsible for much of the recent violence. The group has set a five-day deadline for the forces to act, warning that failure to do so will force the local population to take matters into their own hands. COCOMI has specifically targeted the Assam Rifles, accusing them of colluding with the militants and contributing to the unrest.
Public outrage over the violence is also growing. On Friday, thousands of people across five districts in the Imphal Valley took to the streets to form human chains in protest. Schoolchildren, college students, and women from various neighborhoods lined the roadsides, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding an end to the bloodshed. The protest, organized by COCOMI, was a powerful display of solidarity against the violence and a call for peace.
The placards carried by the demonstrators expressed their deep frustration and desire for justice. Messages such as "Drone bombing is an act of terrorism," "We condemn the Manipur government's inaction," "Take action against Kuki terrorists," and "We want peace; save Manipur" captured the sentiment of the public, which has grown increasingly weary of the protracted ethnic conflict. The protesters made it clear that the territorial and administrative integrity of Manipur should not be compromised and that decisive action was needed to protect civilians.
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki ethnic groups, which has been ongoing since May 2023, has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands. What began as a struggle for political and territorial control has escalated into a full-scale violent conflict, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including the use of drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Introducing these technologies into the conflict has added a dangerous new dimension to the violence, making the situation more volatile and the resolution more difficult to achieve.
As the violence continues, the people of Manipur are caught in the crossfire, with daily life disrupted by fear and uncertainty. The recent attacks and the involvement of advanced weaponry have heightened tensions, and there are growing calls for the central government to intervene and bring an end to the conflict before it spirals further out of control. For now, Manipur remains on edge, with the threat of further violence looming large over the state.
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