On the 3rd of May 2023, a surge of ethnic unrest unfolded in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur. The clash involved the Meitei population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups residing in the surrounding hills. As of August 2023, the violent conflict has led to unspeakable atrocities committed against the Kuki-Zo tribals, the tragic loss of more than 180 lives (that are accounted for), leaving more than 300 injured, over 10,000 homes destroyed, and forcing over 60,000 individuals to flee their homes.

Brief Background
Triggered by a writ petition filed by the Meitei Tribe Union on the 14th of April 2023, the Manipur High Court instructed the state government to submit a recommendation to the central government, advocating for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community residing in the valley. This decision was met with criticism from the Supreme Court. In response to the Meitei community’s call for Scheduled Tribe status, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur orchestrated a peaceful demonstration planned for the 3rd of May. However, one of these rallies escalated into clashes between the Kuki and Meitei factions along the border dividing the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, which further escalated to instances of property destruction through house burnings.

Beyond the issue of Scheduled Tribe status, there were pre-existing grievances that contributed to the outbreak of violence. The Kuki population inhabiting the hill districts expressed feeling targeted by the state government’s handling of concerns related to indigenous land rights. Instances of Kuki communities being forcibly displaced emerged due to efforts aimed at surveying forests, ostensibly to curb Poppy cultivation.

Several organizations have reported instances of biased killings carried out by security forces and allegations of police favoritism toward the Meitei community, intensifying the complexity of the situation. Adding complexity to the situation is the pronounced bias exhibited by the Manipur government, particularly by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who is of Meitei origin himself. This bias has further inflamed the situation, aggravating the tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities. Chief Minister Singh’s derogatory remarks directed at the Kuki-Zo tribals have had the effect of casting them in a negative light, exacerbating the already fraught relations between the groups. This inflammatory rhetoric has only added fuel to the fire, deepening the mistrust and animosity between the communities and making efforts to restore peace and reconciliation more challenging.

Current Situation
As of the present, the ethnic turmoil continues to persist and, in certain regions, has even escalated. The situation remains in a state of flux, with signs of deterioration in some areas.

In the midst of this ongoing crisis, our non-profit organization has taken a proactive role in addressing the urgent humanitarian needs arising from the situation. We are actively raising funds to provide essential assistance to the tens of thousands of displaced Kuki-Zo tribals, who have faced immeasurable hardships. Many among them have tragically lost everything they once possessed, except for their own lives.

These displaced individuals are currently enduring the challenges of makeshift relief camps, where they struggle to rebuild their lives while carrying the heavy burden of trauma resulting from their harrowing experiences. The distressing reality is that they narrowly escaped a perilous situation, as a radical faction within the majority Meitei community attempted ethnic cleansing against them.

At this critical juncture, our organization is committed to channeling resources and support toward these vulnerable communities, aiming to alleviate their suffering, provide essential supplies, and offer psychological assistance to help them cope with the aftermath of the attempted cleansing and displacement. Your contribution to our efforts will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating crisis.