Three years on, Manipur remains on edge: What’s behind the latest unrest?

Manipur has been on edge again following the deaths of two young siblings in a suspected bomb attack, an incident that has triggered fresh unrest and a renewed security clampdown.

The northeastern state has remained tense since May 2023, when an order by the Manipur High Court sparked deadly ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Although violence declined in 2025 after prolonged unrest, the situation has remained fragile.

What triggered the latest tensions?

A suspected rocket strike on April 7 killed a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister while they were asleep at their home in Bishnupur district, reigniting tensions. Later the same day, protesters stormed a camp of the Central Reserve Police Force, vandalising it and setting vehicles on fire. Security forces allegedly opened fire in response, leaving three people dead and more than two dozen injured.

Authorities imposed curfew restrictions and suspended internet services in parts of the state to contain the unrest.

Shutdowns disrupt normal life

The fallout has led to multiple shutdowns across both hill and valley districts. The Meira Paibis called a five-day shutdown to protest the killing of the children, while the United Naga Council announced a separate three-day shutdown over the killing of a retired Army man and another civilian in a suspected militant attack.

Schools, markets, and transport services remained shut in the Imphal valley and in Naga-dominated districts such as Ukhrul and Senapati, severely disrupting daily life.

Clashes and injuries

Tensions escalated further during protests in Imphal, where clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. Personnel used baton charges, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds to disperse crowds, while protesters responded with stone-pelting.

At least six people, including three CRPF personnel, were injured in the clashes and taken for medical treatment.

A fragile peace

Since May 2023, the violence in Manipur has claimed over 260 lives and displaced around 60,000 people. What began as clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups has since drawn in multiple communities, leaving the state in a prolonged cycle of tension.

Despite a relative decline in violence last year, the latest incidents underline how quickly the situation can deteriorate, with peace in Manipur remaining precarious.