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div>Ethnic tensions persist in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, notwithstanding efforts by the federal government to pacify the region, which has been grappling with ethnic violence for nearly two years.

Violence erupted in May 2023 due to long-standing grievances between the Meitei and Kuki communities of Manipur. The Meitei, who predominantly reside in the Imphal valley, and the Kuki, who inhabit the surrounding hill areas, have found themselves at odds over the Meitei’s demand for official tribal status, which is linked to privileges like quotas for jobs and land rights.

The federal government has attempted to reduce violence by dividing the state into two separate ethnic zones. However, this has not fully resolved the issue, as evidenced by the Kuki community’s opposition to unrestricted movement through these zones.

In February, the federal government assumed direct control of the state through “president’s rule” to quell the unrest. Although this move has somewhat contained the violence, lasting peace is far from certain. Experts agree that fair and impartial mediation involving all involved ethnic groups would be crucial to achieving a lasting resolution.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/india-what-can-bring-permanent-peace-to-manipur/a-71922556?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf