Manipur, a northeastern Indian state known as the “Jewel of India,” comprises 90% hilly terrain and 10% valley regions, with distinct demographic distributions of Meitei communities in the valleys and Kuki and Naga tribes in the hills.
Since May 2023, the state has witnessed significant ethnic unrest, resulting in over 226 fatalities and the displacement of more than 60,000 residents. The situation has been marked by incidents of violence, including attacks on tribal villages and churches belonging to the Kuki community.
During the ongoing conflict, approximately 6,000 weapons were reportedly taken from state armories. The state has also recorded multiple incidents of violence against women amid the unrest.
Economic indicators reveal concerning statistics, with Manipur ranking third highest in poverty rates at 36.89% below the poverty line. The unemployment rate exceeds 9%, indicating significant economic challenges facing the population.
The Christian-majority Kuki and Naga tribes in the hill regions report facing systematic disadvantages, while tensions between Meitei and Kuki communities continue to escalate despite government intervention attempts.
The ongoing crisis has led to increasing calls for administrative reforms and improved governance in the region, as local communities express growing dissatisfaction with the current situation.
