The responsibility for the violence in Manipur is complex and involves multiple actors rooted in deep ethnic, political, and historical conflicts. Key parties responsible:
- Ethnic communities: The violence primarily involves the Meitei community, who are the majority in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. The immediate trigger was a dispute over the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which the Kuki-Zo opposed, fearing loss of their own political and economic rights. This led to protests, counter-protests, and violent clashes starting May 2023
- State political leadership: The state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh (a Meitei), has been accused of bias favoring the Meitei community. His administration was seen as vilifying the Kukis and allegedly patronizing Meitei nationalist militias like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, which participated actively in the violence against Kukis. Audio tapes surfaced suggesting Singh may have instigated violence, leading to his resignation in February 2025
- Militias and armed groups: Both sides have armed militias and insurgent groups. Meitei mobs looted police armories and armed themselves, while Kuki militant groups are believed to have supplied arms to their community. The violence escalated into a civil war-like situation with widespread killings, arson, and displacement
- Indian security forces: Historically, Indian army, paramilitary, and police personnel have been involved in human rights abuses in Manipur, fueling long-standing insurgencies. During the recent violence, allegations of partisan behavior and failure to control militias have been made against security forces, contributing to the ongoing conflict
- External factors: The influx of refugees from Myanmar's Chin State, some aided by Kuki villagers, heightened ethnic tensions. Additionally, China’s geopolitical concerns about India’s Act East policy have been cited as foreign conspiracies destabilizing the region
In summary, the Manipur violence stems from ethnic rivalry between Meitei and Kuki communities over political recognition and resources, exacerbated by biased political leadership, armed militias, security force failures, and external influences. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and a fragile situation requiring urgent and impartial intervention
