Manipur — often called the “Jewel of India” for its scenic valleys surrounded by nine hills — is once again in turmoil.
Nearly three years after ethnic clashes first erupted in May 2023, fresh violence in February 2026 has exposed the fragile peace in the northeastern state. Incidents in Ukhrul and Churachandpur districts show that deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions remain unresolved despite prolonged security deployments and administrative interventions.
Fresh Clashes in February 2026
In early February 2026, violence flared up again:
- Churachandpur district: Protests over political representation turned violent, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
- Ukhrul district: Clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups reportedly involved stone-pelting, arson, and suspected gunfire. Several houses were set ablaze.
Authorities responded by:
- Imposing curfew and prohibitory orders
- Suspending internet services for five days
- Deploying additional central security forces
These measures aimed to prevent escalation, but tensions remain high.
Background: Conflict That Began in May 2023
The current phase of unrest began on May 3, 2023, when clashes erupted between:
- The Meitei community, primarily inhabiting the Imphal Valley
- The Kuki-Zo tribal groups, concentrated in the hill districts
The immediate trigger was a court recommendation to consider including Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Tribal groups opposed the move, fearing it would dilute their reservation benefits and weaken constitutional land protections.
What began as protests escalated into widespread ethnic violence across both valley and hill regions.
Heavy Human and Material Losses (2023–2024)
The conflict caused:
- Hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries
- Over 60,000 people displaced — many still in relief camps
- Destruction of homes, churches, temples, and public infrastructure
- Emergence of armed civilian groups
In several districts, communities became nearly segregated along ethnic lines.
2024: Brief Calm, Then Renewed Unrest
By mid-2024, heavy security deployment helped reduce large-scale violence. However, sporadic incidents continued.
The twin murders in Jiribam district in 2024 reignited tensions, reversing fragile reconciliation efforts and highlighting how quickly the situation could deteriorate.
President’s Rule in 2025
In early 2025, the central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur after the state administration struggled to restore lasting stability.
This move placed the state under direct central control, underscoring the severity of the law-and-order breakdown and the ongoing political deadlock.
Violence Continues into 2026
Despite central administration and sustained security presence:
- Demands for separate administrative arrangements in hill areas remain strong.
- Mistrust between communities continues to shape political discourse.
- A judicial commission investigating the violence has been extended until May 2026.
The underlying tensions have not been fully resolved.
Root Causes Remain Unaddressed
Experts identify several structural factors behind the conflict:
- Competition over political representation and reservation policies
- Disputes over land rights and territorial control
- Ethnic identity concerns and fears of marginalisation
- Rapid spread of misinformation via social media
Security measures may contain outbreaks — but they do not resolve these deeper grievances.
The Road Ahead
Observers argue that durable peace will require:
- Structured political dialogue
- Institutional reforms
- Confidence-building between communities
- Transparent implementation of legal protections
Until such steps are taken, Manipur remains vulnerable to periodic flare-ups.
The state known as the “Land of Jewels” continues to search for stability — and for trust rebuilt across its hills and valleys.
— The Team TrendSummary
