The latest exchange, involving Indian Army and paramilitary forces, took place in a remote section of the conflict-ridden Jiribam district. According to officials, the encounter began early in the morning after intelligence reports indicated insurgent movements. Security forces reportedly launched a counter-offensive involving drones and advanced weaponry, signaling the sophisticated level of force employed in response to the militants’ tactics. The deployment of such advanced technology has been part of a broader strategy to curb insurgent activity, which has significantly intensified since the unrest began in May last year.
Heightened tensions between the indigenous Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities have kept Manipur on edge for months, with each side accusing the other of instigating attacks and undermining the fragile peace. The Meitei, the majority population concentrated mainly in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki, an ethnic minority with historical roots in the hilly regions, have clashed over land rights, political representation, and local governance. While the Meitei community advocates for increased control and autonomy within the state, the Kuki groups have rallied for a separate administrative setup to safeguard their interests, a demand that has met stiff opposition from Manipur’s state government.
This renewed bout of violence comes amid simmering resentment over the perceived complicity of security forces and regional authorities. Last week, in a notable protest, a coalition of Manipur’s student organizations met with the governor to submit a list of demands, including the removal of key security figures. Protest leaders accused officials of failing to protect civilian lives and demanded an overhaul of the Unified Command structure, which controls the state’s counter-insurgency operations. This unified structure, currently under the oversight of a central advisor, has been a focal point of dispute, as both communities argue that its command does not fairly address the nuanced needs of their constituencies.
The call for a separate Kuki administration, championed by influential bodies like the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), remains a pivotal issue, underscoring the community’s mistrust of state authorities. Many Kuki leaders argue that local governance under the Meitei-dominated administration cannot equitably represent their needs and have labeled the demand for a separate entity as essential to ensuring their safety and cultural integrity. This sentiment has fueled accusations by the Meitei community, who allege that Kuki groups are influenced by insurgents and cross-border affiliations with Myanmar-based militants. As a result, the state’s political landscape has been fractured by calls for ethnic segregation and increasingly polarized demands for both unification and autonomy.
Government efforts to mediate the crisis have encountered roadblocks, with recent talks between the central government and Kuki representatives failing to make progress on fundamental issues. The ceasefire agreement known as the Suspension of Operation (SoO), signed in 2008 to ease hostilities, has been jeopardized by ongoing clashes and mistrust on both sides. The agreement was initially intended to facilitate peace by ensuring that Kuki insurgent groups halt militant activities in exchange for state assurances of safety and non-prosecution; however, frequent violations and subsequent crackdowns have strained its efficacy.
Security officials have also observed an evolution in the tactics used by both insurgent and counter-insurgency forces. Reports confirm the increased use of aerial drones by both the insurgents and security personnel, a shift from traditional ground skirmishes that underscores the intensifying sophistication of the conflict. Drones, coupled with rocket-propelled grenades and other long-range munitions, have amplified the scope of confrontations, increasing both civilian risk and collateral damage. In response, anti-drone systems have been deployed to counter aerial threats, while authorities have begun bolstering border surveillance to prevent cross-border movements that may be aiding the insurgency.
The intensifying violence has also ignited local and international human rights concerns, with advocacy groups citing escalating civilian casualties and property destruction. Calls for government intervention, both at the state and central levels, have been amplified by various civil society organizations demanding swift action to de-escalate the violence and protect vulnerable populations. This civilian unrest, marked by multiple protests and public gatherings, illustrates the widespread discontent among Manipur residents and the palpable fear of further ethnic divides within the state’s demographic fabric.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has reiterated his administration’s stance against granting a separate Kuki administration, advocating instead for a unified approach that respects Manipur’s territorial integrity. Singh has called on central authorities to reinforce the state’s jurisdictional powers, specifically to address what he terms as “illegal encroachments” by insurgents and to secure the region’s border with Myanmar. The chief minister’s position, though firm, has invited criticism from Kuki groups, who interpret his statements as attempts to further consolidate Meitei dominance in administrative affairs.