By The South Asia Times

NEW DELHI -  India’s northeastern state of Manipur has been rocked by renewed violence after mass protests in the hill district of Churachandpur spiraled into clashes with security forces, with armed Kuki groups later joining demonstrators and claiming attacks on Indian troops amid a worsening security crisis.

Violent unrest flared again in India’s conflict-hit Manipur state after a total shutdown in the Kuki-dominated district of Churachandpur escalated into street clashes between protesters and Indian police and paramilitary forces, according to local media and social media footage.

The protests were initially sparked by anger over the participation of a local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in efforts to form a new government arrangement under President’s Rule. What began as demonstrations and a shutdown of daily life quickly turned violent as confrontations with security forces intensified.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters vandalizing and torching government offices and official residences. In one of the most serious incidents, protesters reportedly stormed the residence of Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar, set the property on fire, and abducted the official. Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement on his condition.

As the unrest deepened, local armed Kuki groups reportedly expressed support for the protesters and carried out coordinated attacks on Indian security forces in multiple parts of the state. A video released by Kuki militant factions, aired by local outlet ManiTV, showed armed fighters declaring “victory” against Indian forces, claiming that several soldiers had been killed during the clashes. These claims could not be independently verified.

Public anger against New Delhi has continued to simmer across Manipur, with protesters accusing the central government of failing to protect communities and address long-standing political and ethnic grievances.

Manipur has been trapped in a cycle of violence since 3 May 2023, when ethnic clashes erupted between the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups inhabiting the surrounding hill areas. The violence was triggered by protests over a controversial court recommendation that could have granted Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis, a move fiercely opposed by tribal groups.

According to official figures, 258 people were killed and more than 60,000 displaced by November 2024, with thousands of homes destroyed and hundreds of religious sites vandalized. Unofficial estimates place the toll significantly higher.

The conflict rapidly took on the characteristics of a low-intensity civil war, with both communities arming themselves and establishing fortified positions. Meitei and Kuki militias emerged as powerful actors, while allegations of partisan bias against the state government and police were widely reported.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a Meitei leader, faced sustained criticism for alleged inflammatory rhetoric against Kukis and for patronizing Meitei nationalist militias. After nearly 20 months of unrest and amid mounting political pressure, Singh resigned in February 2025, and President’s Rule was imposed, placing the state under direct federal control.

Despite this, violence has continued intermittently, underscoring the fragility of security and governance in the state.