Imphal—September 7, 2024—At least five people, including one civilian, have been killed in renewed ethnic violence between two rival communities in Manipur, according to local authorities. The clashes occurred in the restive northeastern Indian state, which has been marred by ongoing tensions between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki population over economic benefits, government jobs, and education quotas.
The violence reignited after a court ruling directed the state government to extend the benefits previously reserved for the Kukis to the Meiteis, further escalating tensions. Fresh clashes and gunfire erupted on Saturday in the Jiribam district, near the Myanmar border. “Fighting between armed groups from both communities has been ongoing since the morning,” said Krishna Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Jiribam. A civilian was reportedly shot dead while asleep, and four others, identified as armed individuals, were killed in an exchange of fire, according to the Press Trust of India.
