Curfew imposed in Manipur as ethnic clashes & protests escalate

KATHMANDU: In the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, curfew was imposed on Tuesday following ongoing protests condemning recent killings amidst escalating ethnic violence.

Manipur has been experiencing intermittent clashes between the Hindu Meitei majority and the primarily Christian Kuki community for over a year.

After a few months of relative calm, tensions surged again between the two groups, leading to at least 11 deaths last week.

According to the police, the curfew was enforced in the state capital Imphal and surrounding valleys after clashes between protesters, led by students, and the police on Monday.

Protesters reportedly threw stones and plastic bottles at security personnel stationed at the Governor’s residence in Imphal.

The police statement mentioned that the protesters had also seized weapons and fired shots at the police.

The local government has declared a full curfew until further notice.

The escalation in violence follows calls by protesters for action against alleged attacks involving improvised projectiles and drone strikes.

The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has long been centered around competition for land and public employment.

Meanwhile, activists have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain.