SUMMARY

The ethnic conflict between the Kuki and the Meitei ethnic groups erupted in 2023 in the state of Manipur, northeast India. The state has seen many ethnic conflicts and tensions, primarily between tribal and non-tribal people. The “non-tribal” Meitei group primarily inhabits the plains of the Imphal valley while tribal groups like the Kuki people inhabit the surrounding hill districts. The Meitei people make up a majority of the population of the state.

A wave of ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023 after moves towards granting the Meitei ethnic group tribal rights which was protested by tribal minority communities, mainly from the Kuki ethnic group who argued this would strengthen their already strong position in the state. Violence erupted in May of 2023 and continued on throughout the year and resulted in over 100 recorded fatalities in the UCDP. Violence was isolated to the Manipur state and primarily to the Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal West, and Kangpokpi districts. During 2023, villages were destroyed and many people became displaced as a result of the deadly violence in the state.

In 2024, fatalities from the conflict decreased significantly. Although the conflict remained active, its dynamics shifted, with clashes involving formally organized groups representing each side increasingly replacing communal violence. These events are not included in the Kuki – Meitei dyad, and the dyads in which they are included did not meet the criteria to be considered active in 2024. Persistent challenges, such as communication blackouts, limited information, and biased reported, continue to hinder insight into the conflict.