Manipur: A Cry for Justice

MigraVoice* expert, Quinn Muñoz** from Manipur, northeastern India, recounts the ethnic conflict that has been raging there since 2023. So far, this conflict has claimed the lives of over 260 people, displacing more than 60,000. They call upon the international community to take a stand against such ethnic cleansing and demand accountability from government agencies, which should interfere here (this article can also be read in German).***

In the volatile state of Manipur, northeastern India, an ethnic cleansing campaign targeting the tribal people has been steadily escalating since May 2023. The violence has had horrific consequences, particularly for the Indigenous tribal communities. The roots of this conflict lie in long-standing tensions between the Meitei-majority in the valley and the predominantly tribal communities in the surrounding hills, particularly the Kuki-Zomi-Mizo-Hmar people. These tensions have now erupted into a crisis, with devastating loss of life, displacement, and cultural destruction.

The violence was initially sparked by the state’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. This move was met with fierce opposition from the tribal groups, who feared further marginalisation of their rights and resources. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, with the Meitei community, emboldened by political influence, becoming the aggressor. The tribal communities were targeted and faced brutal violence, with reports of houses set on fire, women raped, and men brutally murdered.

State media, however, has largely portrayed the Meitei majority as the victims, perpetuating fabricated narratives that undermine the genuine suffering of the tribal communities. In many instances, mainstream local and national media have echoed the voices of the Meitei elites, while tribal communities have been left without a platform to voice their pain. This strategy is misleading and dangerous, as it detracts from the real atrocities being committed against the real victims, namely the tribal communities.

Among the many victims of this violence are Mr. David Thiek (32) and Mrs. Zosangkim (31), two prominent figures. David Thiek, a respected community leader, was tortured and beheaded. His severed head was displayed on a fence post as a grotesque symbol of victory. The killers recorded this gruesome act of violence and released the video on social media. Mrs. Zosangkim, a young mother of 3 young children, was burned to death inside her house. Postmortem report revealed she was tortured and alleged raped before she was set on fire.

On May 4, 2023, a viral video exposed the horrifying moment when two tribal women were paraded naked, molested, and gang-raped by a group of Meitei men. The state police stood by and took no action.

Another tragic event occurred on June 4, 2023, when 7-year-old Tonsing Hangsing, his mother Meena, and neighbour Lydia Lourembam were burned alive in an ambulance on their way to a hospital in Imphal. Despite Tonsing being of mixed heritage (Kuki-Meitei) and his mother and Lydia both being Meitei, the Meira Paibis—a group of Meitei women—showed no mercy, even as police escorted them.

These and many other atrocities towards the minority tribals point towards a broader campaign of ethnically cleansing them or driving them out of their homeland.

The violence rages on, with tens of thousands of tribal families forced to flee from their homes and villages. They have sought refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary relief camps, where conditions are deplorable. The international community has been slow to react, and the central government has failed to provide meaningful intervention. Relief efforts have been woefully inadequate, with displaced families living in squalid conditions, struggling to access basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.

On February 9, 2025, Biren Singh, the CM of Manipur, finally resigned, and 4 days later, President’s Rule was imposed. This is the 11th time that Manipur has been placed under President’s Rule. Peace remains elusive.

The future of Manipur remains uncertain. What is clear is that the tribal people of Manipur (Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo) are in urgent need of justice, protection, and support. The international community must take a stand against this ethnic cleansing and demand accountability from the concerned government agencies. Only through global intervention can this crisis end, bringing peace to a region in desperate need of healing.

“I raise my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” –Malala Yousafzai (2013)

This is the fourth blog article in our MigraVoice series written by our MigraVoice expert Quinn Muñoz. Interested in writing a blog piece? Sign up for MigraVoice, then send an email to advocacy@thelondonstory.org with a proposal!

*This project is co-funded by the European Union (Project number: LC-02408780). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Project: ŁC 02408780 — Migrant Voices Matter in the European Media — CNECT/2022/8240201.

**The name of this MigraVoice expert has been changed to protect their identity and keep them safe, considering the ongoing conflict.

***The thoughts expressed in the blog pieces published are those of the author, and no responsibility of the organisation can be asserted from the pieces.