The violent conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023 in Manipur’s Churachandpur district with Kuki-Zomi militants attack against the Meiteis has completed two years on May 3, 2025 with no sign of early solution. Rather the violent conflict continues to shape an undesirable new political and social landscape not only in Manipur but also in the region.
The student and civil society organisations belonging to the involved communities – Kuki-Zomis and Meiteis – in the violent conflict have called for statewide shutdowns of all normal activities and observed May 3 with different markings.
In a sign of how deep the divide remains, different narratives are being shaped around the same day.
The Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) have jointly appealed to the public to observe a day of silence, with all educational institutions and business establishments closed. The two groups have also urged residents to hoist black flags at their homes as a symbol of mourning for those lost in the ethnic violence.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing the interests of Kuki-Zomis, has declared May 3 as “Separation Day.” The group has framed the observance as a day of mourning and a call for political reimagination.
“This is a day of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the ethnic conflict that has deeply impacted the Kuki-Zo communities,” the ITLF said in a statement. Events in Churachandpur shows Kuki-Zomi militants in full combat uniforms with arms coming out on roads in front of security personnel towards the the “Wall of Remembrance” where the public gathered. They observed May 3 as the “Day of Separation from Meiteis”.
The ZSF, KSO and ITLF aim at reinforcing their demand for political separation from Manipur. “This is not just remembrance. It is a statement against systemic neglect and injustice,” a report quoting an ITLF spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a conglomeration of CSOs based in Manipur’s Central Valley led by Meiteis and stands for territorial integrity and unity, and coexistence of all the ethnic groups of Manipur, has also called for a statewide halt of daily activities.
To mark the May 3, 2023 a “Manipur People’s Convention on Two Years of Manipur Crisis” was held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal, where leaders of CSOs and different communities, intellectuals deliberated on “the future of Manipur,” emphasising on territorial integrity and unity of Manipur with coexistence of all the ethnic groups of the State.
In the evening, a candlelight tribute was held at 6:00 p.m. at Kangla Nongpok Thong in honour of those who have lost their lives during the ongoing violent conflict.
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, organised the observance of Aniraksuba 3/5 Ningshing Numit tomorrow, at Yumnam Khunou Community Hall in Khundrakpam, Imphal East district.
The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) is set to observe “Revisiting May 3, 2023” on Saturday, continuing its annual commemoration of the day that marked the onset of ethnic violence in Manipur. The event held at the Community Hall in Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, aims to raise awareness and reflect on the developments that unfolded during and after the violent outbreak allegedly led by Kuki-Zo armed groups.
According to a statement issued on May 2, the public meeting is convened to revisit the roots of the conflict, draw attention to the hardships endured by the people, and reinforce unity among the indigenous communities of the state. The organisation alleged that the violence was part of a premeditated plan by Kuki-Zo militants to alter the demographic and political landscape of Manipur.
Moreover, Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) and Manipur Students’ Association, Delhi (MSAD) along with other organisations observed the day in the national capital Delhi. They state that they stand for Manipur, a multi-ethnic State. They call on the Government of India to stop dividing Manipur on ethnic lines.
On the other hand, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body representing the Thadou community, has urged the people of Manipur to observe May 3 every year as ‘Peace Day’, instead of marking it in a communal or divisive manner that could fuel ethnic tensions. In a statement issued by Manggou Thadou, Joint General Secretary of TIM, the organisation proposed that the day should serve as a collective call for reconciliation, community understanding, and long-term peace across all communities in the state.
The statement underscored that May 3 should be a day to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Manipur, and to express solidarity with the survivors and their families.
Recalling a similar appeal made by the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) last year, TIM said the idea of observing as “Peace Day” draws inspiration from Japan’s annual observance of the Hiroshima bombing, which promotes international peace and condemns violence.
TIM revealed that although the Thadou community has been among the most affected and least heard during the two-year-long unrest, it has consistently advocated for peaceful coexistence through mutual respect among all indigenous communities of Manipur.
It alleged that while some vested interests may have benefitted from the protracted violence, the broader impact on society has been one of destruction, deep suffering, and worsening socio-economic conditions in an already impoverished State.
The statement also reflected on the historical trauma faced by the Thadou people, recalling the violence during the Kuki-Naga and Kuki-Zomi (Paite) conflicts of the 1990s. TIM said that their community was still grappling with the legacy of those events when fresh violence erupted two years ago, plunging them once again into hardship and insecurity.
Despite alleged threats from anti-peace and anti-Thadou elements, TIM affirmed that the Thadou community—alongside the TSA and Thadou Cultural Institute (TCI)—has remained committed to promoting peace from the outset of the current crisis. Citing recent signs of progress, the organisation expressed hope that peace was within reach, and called upon all stakeholders to help build confidence for lasting harmony.
TIM further urges the people of Manipur to adopt non-violent means for conflict resolution, warning that the future of the State will remain bleak if violence continues. The statement concluded with an appeal to all communities, especially indigenous groups, to avoid provocative rhetoric and hate campaigns, and to instead embrace unity, reconciliation, and the collective rebuilding of society.
Moreover, Meitei Alliance urges immediate action to restore peace, security, and constitutional order in a statement issued on May 3, 2025 by its Media Coordinator.
“May 3, 2025 marks the second anniversary of the violent disturbance that began in 2023, instigated by armed aggression from Kuki militant groups allegedly funded by drug money. The attacks were strategically orchestrated to disrupt communal harmony and coerce the Government of Manipur into halting its actions against illicit cross-border drug trafficking, illegal poppy cultivation, illegal encroachments on protected forest lands, and illegal immigration from Myanmar. Since then, Manipur has endured sustained unrest, severely affecting peace, security, and normal life across the state,” the statement said.
The statement said, “In the immediate aftermath of the eruption of violence, despite assuming control over the state’s law and order situation, the Central Government’s delayed and inadequate response allowed Kuki militants – operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement – to carry out coordinated attacks against Meitei civilians. The subsequent establishment of buffer zones by central forces, ostensibly to prevent further violence, inadvertently facilitated the creation of de facto enclaves that have since served as launchpads for continued terrorist operations targeting civilians.”
“Due to the security lapses of the Central Government, hundreds have lost their lives, thousands have been injured, and nearly one lakh people have been displaced. The widespread violence has severely restricted the free movement of citizens across the state. Terrorist activities have obstructed economic development, disrupted livelihoods, and led to a surge in crime and instability, resulting in immense human suffering. Furthermore, the Centre’s continued leniency toward Kuki militant groups has emboldened their ambitions to carve out an exclusive territory, with the intention of integrating it into a proposed new nation,” the Meitei Alliance said.
The Meitei Alliance said that though the Centre formally imposed President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, taking full administrative control of Manipur, from May 4, 2023 to May 2, 2025, the Central Government has not taken up substantial measures to bring normalcy. It has yet to fulfil the expectations of the people in ensuring security and peace, restoring political stability and communal harmony, enabling free movement, controlling prices, and fostering economic recovery and growth, the Meitei Alliance added
The statement of the Meitei Alliance said, “On this solemn anniversary, we strongly condemn all forms of terrorism and communal violence, and we urge the Central Government to take immediate and decisive action to:
- Terminate the Suspension of Operations with Kuki militant groups and take firm steps to neutralize terrorism.
- Intensify the war on drugs, including the complete eradication of illegal poppy cultivation.
- Update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to distinguish between citizens and foreigners.
- Identify and deport illegal migrants from neighbouring countries.
- Dismantle artificial buffer zones and ensure unrestricted movement of all citizens across the state.
- Facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their homes with adequate security and rehabilitation support.
- Remove AKT (Any Kuki Tribes) from the Scheduled Tribes list.”
The people of Manipur continue to suffer under the weight of prolonged violence and uncertainty. It is time for the Government of India to act with resolve and ensure that the fundamental rights, safety, and dignity of every citizen are restored and protected, the statement of Meitei Alliance concluded.
In another development, Thadou Tribe and Meitei Civil Society groups agree to protect Manipur’s integrity and unity while seeking update of National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deletion of Any Kuki Tribes from Scheduled Tribe (ST) list.
An academic discourse entitled “Ethnic Identity and Conflict in Manipur” was jointly convened on April 10, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, by two communities/parties, Thadou (represented by Thadou Inpi Manipur and Thadou Students’ Association) and Meitei CSOs (represented by civil society organizations based in the national capital Delhi: Meitei Heritage Society, Delhi Manipuri Society, and Ningol United Progressive Initiative). The event brought together scholars and representatives from both communities, the Meitei and Thadou, and it served as a significant step towards fostering dialogue and mutual understanding in relation to the prevailing crisis in Manipur.
Following thorough and sincere deliberations, the two parties (Meitei and Thadou), represented by the five undersigned organizations issued on May 2, 2025 a joint statement, outlining the main points provided below:
- Reaffirm the March 7, 2025, New Delhi declaration of community understanding between Thadou and Meitei: Both parties reaffirmed the historic understanding that was achieved between Thadou Inpi Manipur and the Meitei Alliance on March 7, 2025, in New Delhi. This understanding is regarded as a significant step towards establishing a foundation of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence, and collaborative resolution of inter-community issues.
- Integrity and Unity of Manipur: Both parties reaffirmed to safeguard the integrity, unity, and interests of Manipur as a multiethnic state. Both parties also recognize the significant roles and contributions of the Thadou people for the protection of the collective interest of Manipur people and the state’s integrity.
- Recognition of Thadou as a Distinct Indigenous Community: Both parties collectively acknowledged and appreciated the point made by the Thadou representatives that the Thadou is a distinct community and does not fall under the category of the “Kuki” or “Any Kuki Tribes”.
- Deletion of “Any Kuki tribes” from the ST list: Both parties jointly resolved to appeal to the competent authorities for the deletion of the unconstitutional and ambiguous category “Any Kuki tribes” (AKT) from the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur. This unclear designation is being exploited by illegal immigrants to obtain undeserved ST status, propagating a deadly ideology of “Kuki Supremacism” that endangers communal unity in Manipur and poses a direct threat to national security. AKT was incorrectly added to the list of scheduled tribes of Manipur in 2003 for political reasons, paving the way for the (mass) influx and legalization of illegal immigrants. Both parties view the existence of AKT as a direct encouragement and support of illegal immigration at the cost of the national and state interests, and its removal is essential to solving illegal immigration and related issues for the protection of the indigenous people of Manipur and India’s national interests.
- Rectification of the Term “Kuki”: Both parties agreed that the term “Kuki” is neither an ethnic nor a cultural identity, but rather a faulty colonial construct that was later exploited by the power-hungry activists and vested interests with separatist and political ideologies to gain control over local indigenous communities and separate from Manipur. None of the 29 originally recognized tribes of Manipur identify as Kuki or “any Kuki tribes.” Therefore, the use or reference to the term “Kuki” must be discontinued in all academic, research, and official settings. To preserve and protect the authentic identities of the indigenous peoples of Manipur, the names of the recognized Scheduled Tribes listed under Article 342 of the Constitution of India, each with its own distinct and independent ethnic identity, should be used only when referring to that specific tribe or community and not under any blanket, colonial, or imposed label.
- Denouncement of Kuki Supremacism and Extremism: Both parties condemned the historical and ongoing systematic design of the Kuki for their demand for separate administration and silencing/persecution of Thadou and other peace-loving people by Kuki supremacists and Kuki militants. Such actions are believed to be purposeful attempts to undermine and annihilate peace-loving Thadous and other communities and hence jeopardize inclusive peace-building.
- Urgent NRC Update in Manipur: Both parties collectively resolved to call upon the Government of India to expedite the updating of the NRC in Manipur to identify and address the influx of illegal immigrants whose presence threatens indigenous communities and national security. A thorough NRC process is fundamental to preserving demographic integrity and restoring public confidence.
- Termination of SoO agreement with Kuki supremacist, extremist rebel groups: The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, intended to end violence, uphold the Constitution, and preserve Manipur’s territorial integrity, has been blatantly violated by Kuki militants and their fronts like Kuki Inpi and KSO. They have weaponized the agreement to terrorize and suppress the unarmed indigenous people, particularly the Thadou community, in pursuit of an anti-Manipur agenda. With the Thadou people living under constant threat and the authorities turning a blind eye, the SoO has failed, emboldened militancy, and jeopardized peace. Both parties have resolved to appeal to the Union Government for its immediate termination, in line with the unanimous decision of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the state government.
- Free and Safe Movement across Manipur: Both parties support the MHA’s efforts to ensure free movement of all communities throughout the state, including the national highways in both the valley and hills, and to take firm action against any entities that block this constitutional right.
- Rehabilitation and resettlement of the IDPs: Both parties agreed to appeal to the state/authority to rehabilitate and resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their legitimate places of residence with proper compensation and protection.
Finally, the joint press statement encourages civil society organizations representing the Meitei and Thadou communities in Manipur, as well as all other indigenous people as a whole, to work towards mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and long-term peace based on justice, recognition, and coexistence.
Remembering the Day of May 3, 2023 a number of organisations observed with different markings at different places where Kuki-Zomis and Meiteis live.
However, amidst the Government of India’s different attitudes and behaviours towards the people of Manipur along with different narratives of the continued violent conflict from time to time, lack of a transparent approach to resolving the violent conflict in Manipur, and in the myriad of different ideas and positions of the different groups belonging to Kuki-Zomi, Thadou and Meitei, the resolution of the violent conflict and restoration of normalcy where all people of Manipur can move freely across India’s Northeast State of Manipur is still uncertain even when the violent conflict has completed two years on May 3, 2025.
Senior Editor: Imphal Review of Arts and Politics
