Part 15/18:
Manipur’s regional politics revolve around deep ethnic lines, with nearly half the population comprised of the Meitei, who inhabit the valley, while numerous tribal groups, notably the Kuki and Naga, dominate the highlands. Recently, the influx of refugees from Myanmar has added another layer of complexity to existing conflicts, leading to fears among the Meitei of losing their political influence and numerical majority.
An Evolving Crisis
As the ethnic rivalries escalated, Manipur has seen violence in the form of mob lynchings and targeted attacks, resulting in some 250 deaths over the past two years. With homes and religious structures destroyed, the humanitarian crisis has exacerbated as over 60,000 citizens have been displaced amid ongoing hostilities.