MANIPUR, India: Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Manipur imposed a curfew on Tuesday, September 10, following violent rallies condemning the latest round of ethnic clashes.
Manipur has faced ongoing conflicts for over a year between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community. Last week, at least 11 people were killed as hostilities reignited after months of relative calm.
The curfew was enforced in the state capital, Imphal, and surrounding areas after student-led protests escalated into clashes with police. Protesters reportedly pelted stones and threw plastic bottles at security officials near the governor’s residence, and in another incident, they snatched arms from police and fired at them. Two police officers were injured.
The protests were fueled by demands for action against insurgents accused of using improvised weapons and drones. Tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities have long been fueled by competition for land and jobs, with local leaders often accused of deepening divisions for political gain.
