On May 3, 2023, ethnic violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the tribal community from the surrounding hills, including the Kuki and Zo peoples. More than 70 people died in the violence, and hundreds were left wounded.

The violence was sparked by a long-standing dispute over the status of the Meitei people. The Meitei people have long sought to be granted Scheduled Tribe status under the Indian Constitution, which would give them privileges comparable to the tribal communities. However, the tribal communities have opposed this demand, arguing that it would give the Meitei people an unfair advantage.

The violence quickly escalated, with both sides engaging in armed conflict. The Indian security forces were deployed to the area in an attempt to restore order, but the violence continued for several days.

The violence has had a devastating impact on the people of Manipur. Hundreds of people have been killed, and thousands have been displaced from their homes. The violence has also damaged the economy of the state, and has disrupted the lives of ordinary people.

The government of Manipur has called for calm, and has appealed to both sides to come to the negotiating table. However, it is unclear whether the violence will be resolved anytime soon.

The violence in Manipur is a reminder of the deep ethnic divisions that exist in India. It is also a reminder of the challenges that the Indian government faces in trying to maintain peace and order in its diverse and complex society.

Here are some of the factors that contributed to the violence in Manipur:

• Ethnic tensions: The Meitei people and the tribal communities have a long history of conflict. The Meitei people are a majority in the Imphal Valley, while the tribal communities are a majority in the surrounding hills. This has led to a sense of competition and mistrust between the two groups.
• Political instability: Manipur has a history of political instability. The state has been ruled by a number of different governments in recent years, and there has been a lack of consensus on how to address the ethnic tensions in the state.
• Economic hardship: Manipur is a poor state, and the people there are struggling to make ends meet. This has created a sense of resentment and frustration, which has made the people more susceptible to violence.

The violence in Manipur is a tragedy that has caused immense suffering. It is important to understand the factors that contributed to the violence in order to prevent it from happening again.