As a majority of Indians make themselves sick with giddiness over another nepo baby being born into wealth and privledge, a whole state continues to burn in their blind spot. And what a long standing blind spot it is. But what's the point of telling anyone anything anyways? No one cares about Manipur. No one wants to talk about Manipur. And most importantly, no one seems to be wanting to do anything about the chaos that has made home in Manipur, for over a year or so now. But my job is to rant, and keep shouting till I can, in hopes that someone who cares would know that I do too. So here are some of the recent developments, or regressions that has befallen a whole state and its people.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

Tensions continue to boil over in the northeastern state of Manipur, where ethnic violence has once again claimed lives. At least five people were killed in the latest flare-up between the predominantly Hindu Meitei and the mainly Christian Kuki communities, as the state government grapples with ongoing unrest. In response to the violence, authorities have ordered all schools in the state to remain closed, citing growing concerns over safety.

For over a year, Manipur has been the epicentre of periodic violence, fuelled by deep-rooted tensions over economic benefits, government jobs, and education quotas. The conflict largely centres on the Meitei community, which has been pushing for a larger share of resources and benefits historically enjoyed by the Kuki tribe. These benefits include government job reservations and education quotas, both of which are highly sought after in a region struggling with economic disparity.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

The most recent surge in violence was triggered by a court ruling that directed the state government to extend the same benefits currently afforded to the Kuki population to the Meitei community. This ruling has further inflamed tensions, leading to a series of violent clashes. On Saturday, fresh violence erupted in the district of Jiribam, near India’s border with Myanmar, where armed groups exchanged gunfire, leaving the local population in fear and uncertainty.

The situation in Manipur remains volatile, with the potential for more violence in the coming days. The state government’s decision to shut down schools is just one of many measures being taken to try and prevent further escalation, but long-term solutions remain elusive. The underlying causes of the conflict—economic grievances, ethnic divisions, and unequal distribution of resources—are complex and deeply entrenched. Until these issues are addressed through meaningful dialogue and policy reform, Manipur is likely to remain on edge.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears
Anti-Drone Systems Deployed as Violence Escalates in Manipur

In response to the recent surge in violence, Manipur Police have stepped up their efforts to curb the conflict, deploying anti-drone systems in the region. The move comes after reports of drone sightings and their suspected use in attacks by insurgent groups. Authorities are in the process of acquiring additional anti-drone systems and specialised guns to bolster security in the conflict zones.

The deployment follows a fresh wave of violence in Jiribam district, where suspected Kuki insurgents launched deadly attacks on Nungchappi village, resulting in the deaths of five people. As the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities intensifies, the use of drones and rockets has escalated the danger in an already volatile region.

Security forces have launched combing operations in the adjoining hill ranges, with additional teams being sent to sweep the area for militants. In a further show of force, a military helicopter has been deployed for aerial patrols, signalling the government's determination to regain control of the situation.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

Meanwhile, fear has gripped local communities, particularly in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts, where residents have reported sightings of multiple drones. In response, many households turned off their lights on Friday night in an attempt to avoid being targeted. Drones were reportedly seen in areas such as Narainsena and Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur, as well as Pukhao, Dolaithabi, and Shantipur in Imphal East, heightening panic among locals.

The conflict in Manipur has shown no signs of abating, with both insurgent groups and security forces now utilizing advanced technology in the escalating violence. As the situation worsens, the state remains on edge, with the potential for further clashes looming large.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

Chief Minister Convenes Emergency Meeting as Manipur Violence Intensifies

In the wake of escalating violence and the growing threat to civilians in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh called an emergency meeting on Saturday evening to address the deteriorating law and order situation. The meeting brought together key figures from the state’s ruling coalition, including MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Naga People’s Front, and the National People’s Party (NPP).

According to sources, the discussions are expected to focus on critical decisions regarding recent attacks on civilians by armed groups operating from the elevated hill areas of the riot-hit state. The use of advanced weaponry and the deployment of drones by militants has added a new level of complexity to the conflict, further heightening the urgency for the state government to respond.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also met with Governor Lakshman Acharya to brief him on the situation and explore possible measures to bring the violence under control. The meeting underscores the gravity of the crisis, which has seen a dramatic escalation in both frequency and intensity, leaving communities in the conflict zones living in constant fear.

With tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities showing no signs of abating, the state government is under increasing pressure to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing unrest. The Chief Minister’s emergency meeting is a critical step toward addressing the complex security challenges and attempting to restore some semblance of stability in the region.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears
Ultimatum Issued to Armed Forces as Manipur Violence Escalates

As violence in Manipur surges once again, echoing the intensity of the clashes seen in July and August 2023, the situation has grown increasingly precarious. The use of drones for aerial bombing, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and other sophisticated weaponry has added a dangerous dimension to the conflict, intensifying the volatility across the state.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued an ultimatum to the Indian Armed Forces, demanding immediate and decisive action to bring the ongoing unrest to a halt. The group has given the armed forces a five-day deadline to address the situation, warning that failure to act could push local communities to take drastic measures in their own defence.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears

At the heart of COCOMI's grievances is the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force deployed in the region. The committee has accused the Assam Rifles of complicity in the unrest, alleging that the force’s actions—or lack thereof—have allowed Kuki militant groups to continue their operations with impunity. Deep dissatisfaction has been expressed over the central forces' handling of the situation, particularly in their approach to the Kuki insurgents, whom COCOMI blames for much of the violence.

In its ultimatum, COCOMI called for a firm crackdown on the militant groups that have been operating in the hill regions or, alternatively, for the withdrawal of central forces from Manipur altogether. The demand highlights the growing mistrust between local communities and the central authorities, as well as the mounting frustration with the perceived failure to bring peace to the conflict-ridden state.

As the deadline looms, the situation in Manipur remains tense, with the potential for further escalation. The ultimatum represents a critical juncture in the conflict, placing the Indian Armed Forces under immense pressure to take swift and effective action. The coming days will likely be pivotal in determining whether peace can be restored or whether the state will spiral deeper into chaos.

At Least Five Killed as Ethnic Violence Escalates in Manipur; Schools Ordered to Shut Amid Security Fears