New Delhi– Women from Manipur’s Kuki tribe protested outside the house of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, requesting he intervenes and put a stop to the state’s continuous ethnic violence. The demonstration followed a vigil held by members of the Meitei community in Imphal, where they formed a human chain and demanded action against Kuki insurgent groups.
In recent weeks, riots and violence between different ethnic groupings have heightened tensions in Manipur. Thousands of people have been forced to abandon their homes due to the violence. According to the Indian Army, a recent firefight between security forces and rebels killed one security man and injured two more.
The ethnic conflict erupted due to disputes over economic benefits and quotas granted to tribal groups, sparking clashes with the Meitei community. Concerns have arisen among the tribal communities regarding the potential extension of these benefits to the Meiteis.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid a four-day visit to Manipur to instill trust and create harmony among the people. He emphasized that the government prioritizes the peace and prosperity of Manipur and instructed security forces to take strict action against any activities that disrupt harmony.
The rallies in Delhi and the vigil in Imphal emphasize the need for the national government to address the region’s deep-seated ethnic conflicts and restore calm.