Manipur Unrest Intensifies with Fatal Ethnic Clashes

The state of Manipur is experiencing severe unrest following violent clashes between the ethnic groups Meitei and Kuki, resulting in at least 20 fatalities this month. Tensions escalated after the murder and burning of a woman from the Kuki community and subsequent retaliatory attacks, leading to ransacking and arson of properties belonging to state lawmakers. The violence has prompted the imposition of indefinite curfews and internet shutdowns in affected areas like Imphal Valley. The Union Home Ministry has transferred several cases of violence to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to intensify the investigation and restore order. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been actively monitoring the situation, canceling other engagements to focus on stabilizing the region, while calls for dialogue and peacebuilding efforts continue from various political and civil society groups. Kodikunnil Suresh, an MP, has urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene, highlighting the crisis as a national concern demanding immediate action for peace and justice.