NEW DELHI – The northeastern Indian state of Manipur has been placed under a curfew following a surge in ethnic violence and student-led protests that turned violent. The unrest is fueled by ongoing clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community.
The curfew was announced on Tuesday after a series of violent rallies and confrontations with police in the state capital, Imphal, and surrounding areas. Last week’s renewed hostilities resulted in at least 11 deaths, marking a significant escalation after months of relative calm.
The violence intensified on Monday when student protesters clashed with security forces. Police reported that students threw stones and plastic bottles at officials stationed at the governor’s residence, while in another district, protesters seized weapons from police and fired on them. Two officers were injured in these skirmishes.
The state government has imposed a “total curfew” effective immediately in an attempt to restore order. Protesters are demanding stronger measures against insurgents accused of using improvised weapons and drones in recent attacks.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur, driven by competition over land and jobs, has been simmering for over a year, with local leaders facing accusations of fueling divisions for political advantage.