NEW DELHI, September 10, 2024 (TDI): Authorities in India’s strife-torn northeastern state of Manipur imposed a curfew on Tuesday in response to violent protest rallies staged to condemn the latest round of killings in ethnic clashes.
Manipur has been embroiled in ongoing conflict for over a year between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community.
Last week, violence erupted again after several months of relative peace, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people.
The curfew was enacted in the state capital, Imphal, and surrounding areas after student-led demonstrations turned violent.
Protesters threw stones and plastic bottles at security forces near the governor’s residence. In a separate incident, demonstrators seized weapons from police officers and fired at them, injuring two officers.
Read Also: The Meitei-Kuki Conflict: A Fractured State in Northeast India
The unrest was driven by calls for action against insurgents who have reportedly used improvised weapons and drones.
The longstanding tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities are exacerbated by competition for land and employment, with local leaders often accused of inflaming divisions for political advantage.
