3 years of violence, rift between Meitei, Kuki, Naga, what is the political picture of Manipur now?

The conflict between Meitei, Kuki, Naga and Zo groups in Manipur has created a situation of political instability. Most of the districts of Manipur are in the grip of violence, tribal groups are struggling with mutual violence and clashes. Earlier this fight was only between Meitei vs Kuki, now Zo, Naga and many other local communities are clashing. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand is trying to calm this discord but the situation is not getting better.

CM reached Churachandpur district on Saturday. He attended the funeral of BJP MLA Wungjagin Valte and paid tribute. This is the first visit of a Chief Minister to this Kuki-dominated district after the caste violence that began on May 3, 2023. He comes from Meitei community. There has been such tension between the Meitei and Kuki communities for 3 years that people have left their homes in each other’s area and gone to refugee camps.

Also read: Fire in villages, dozens of houses reduced to ashes, why did Naga and Kuki clash again in Manipur?

What is the BJP government trying?

This visit of CM Yumchand is in the news because the MLA whose funeral he had gone to had become a victim of mob attack. MLA Vungjagin Valte was the victim of a mob attack in Nagamapal, Imphal in May 2023. The attack took place when he was returning from meeting Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Walte, who was seriously injured in this attack, was undergoing treatment in a hospital in Gurugram. He died on 20 February but his family kept his body in the mortuary for months.

The family members of Vungjagin had demanded the central government to create a separate district for the Zomi tribe and investigate the matter by the National Investigation Team. Due to the wife’s ill health, the family finally decided to cremate the body. Political experts say that this visit is a preparation before the elections, in which once again bringing Meitei and Kuki closer is a part of the important agenda.

Also read: Kuki organization apologized after the killing of 6 Naga people, when will the fire in Manipur stop?

What exercise is BJP engaged in?

BJP is losing its support base in Manipur. Leaders like Y Surchandra Singh, L Radhakishor Singh and Uttamkumar Ningthoujam have joined BJP. Many Kuki MLAs are angry with BJP. Most of the leaders have objections to the policies of BJP. Violence has not stopped for 3 years. Day by day, people of Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities are getting into conflict with each other. BJP has faced a big setback in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Meitei, Kuki and other tribal groups also seem angry with BJP. There is a BJP government from the center to the state, in such a situation the biggest choice before the BJP is how to present its side to the public.

Why is BJP everyone’s target?

BJP is on everyone’s target due to the ongoing caste violence and unrest in Manipur from May 2023. People’s resentment towards BJP has continuously increased. Neither Biren Singh could stop the ongoing violence in Manipur, nor did it stop during the President’s rule, nor during the reign of the new Chief Minister Yumchand.

Also read: 48 kidnapped, 42 left, dead bodies of 6 found, full story of new uproar in Manipur

What is Congress doing?

In Manipur, Congress is busy appointing officials at the local level. Congress has made many appointments at the Zilla Parishad and block level. Because of 3 years of violence and the atmosphere created against BJP, Congress is hopeful that this time the figures are in favor of BJP.

Congress has come into election mode only in February 2026. Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh was made the President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), since then he has been continuously active. Congress has 5 assembly seats in Manipur. Congress has won both the Lok Sabha seats of the state in the 2024 elections. BJP is badly surrounded.

The main strategy of Congress is to criticize the BJP government on the issue of ethnic unrest and violence in the state. Indo-Myanmar border villages are being visited under the leadership of Ibobi Singh. Several rounds of meetings are taking place. Manipur elections are not going to be easy for BJP this time.

What are the preparations of Naga People Front?

People of Naga community in areas like Senapati and Ukhrul are angry with the government. Naga People Front is trying to save its support base. Currently the party has 5 MLAs. The party has been dominant in areas like Senapati and Ukhrul. Once again NPP is trying to attract its core vote bank. Now polarization in Manipur has increased to such an extent that these parties are not even trying to move away from the areas they dominate. NPP leader Awangbo Newmai is currently playing on BJP’s pitch. He is cursing Congress.

Also read: ‘Beated, starved and…’, Manipuri nanny held hostage at IIM Bangalore

What are the preparations of the National People’s Party?

The National People’s Party, which has been a part of the BJP alliance, is now angry. The party currently has 6 MLAs and it wants to enter 2027 with greater preparation. Manipur chief of NPP Dr. Lorho S Foje also wants to go with NDA but right now there is uncertainty in the politics of Manipur.

How is the condition of Manipur?

More than 260 people have been killed since violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo communities in Manipur. More than 59 thousand people have become homeless. There are reports of violence from time to time. Violent clashes have also taken place between the Kuki and Naga communities during this period. Most of the tribal population of the state is demanding a separate state for itself. Before the elections of 2027, the efforts of Bharatiya Janata Party and other political parties are to bring permanent peace in the state by any means.