Tensions have flared up again in Manipur after a 20-year-old Meitei youth, Luwangthem Mukesh, went missing from Imphal West district. His mother, Luwangthem Omila Dev, lodged a police complaint stating that he left home in a red Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 on Sunday but never returned. CCTV footage from the outskirts of Bishnupur district, about 30 km from Imphal, reportedly captured his car near Kuki-dominated villages, raising concerns about his safety. The incident has deepened the divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities, who have been embroiled in ethnic clashes since May 2023. While police have launched a search operation, Mukesh’s disappearance has fueled fears of renewed violence in the already volatile state.
The situation in Manipur remains fragile, especially after recent clashes between the two ethnic groups over the enforcement of free movement across the state. The Centre had directed security forces to ensure unrestricted travel from March 8, but protests by the Kuki community in Kangpokpi led to violent confrontations, resulting in at least one death due to gunfire. While Kuki groups insist on a political resolution before lifting movement restrictions, Meitei organizations argue that dialogue and free movement should coexist. Amid this backdrop, Mukesh’s disappearance has intensified accusations from both sides, with Meitei groups blaming Kuki elements for obstruction and abduction, while Kuki leaders refute these claims, urging authorities to maintain impartiality in the investigation.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic strife for nearly two years, with over 250 lives lost and nearly 50,000 people displaced due to ongoing violence. The conflict, rooted in disputes over land rights and political representation, continues to destabilize the region. With the state under President’s Rule, law enforcement agencies are under pressure to prevent further escalation. Security has been heightened in Imphal and nearby districts as authorities attempt to trace Mukesh’s whereabouts and prevent any retaliatory actions. Meanwhile, community leaders and civil society organizations have called for calm, urging both Meiteis and Kukis to cooperate with the investigation rather than allowing tensions to spiral out of control.
