Fresh clashes, bloodshed in Manipur, expose deepening unrest
Tribal protests erupt, highways shut against killings by Indian forces
Imphal : Fresh violence erupted in the Indian state of Manipur after an operation by Indian forces left a village volunteer dead and another injured, triggering widespread protests by tribal communities and exposing the continuing instability under the BJP-led government’s policies.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident took place in Bitiang village of Noney district when Indian forces, including Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, launched an operation that resulted in an exchange of fire with local village volunteers. Officials confirmed that one volunteer was killed while another sustained injuries. Two CRPF personnel also suffered splinter injuries during the operation.
The killing sparked immediate outrage among members of the local tribal community, who accused the Indian forces of using excessive force. In protest, the Working Committee of the Joint Tribes Council of Noney announced an indefinite emergency shutdown of highways, railway projects and other national infrastructure works across the district, condemning the military operation and demanding accountability.
The latest bloodshed has once again highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Manipur, where ethnic violence has continued unabated since May 2023 despite repeated assurances by New Delhi of restoring peace and normalcy. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has already claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of people and left deep social and political divisions across the state.
Political analysts said the recurring violence reflects the BJP government’s failure to resolve the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation. They observed that continued reliance on militarized responses has only deepened mistrust among affected communities, fueling resentment and prolonging instability in the conflict-hit state.
