Thu Sep 12 04:57:37 UTC 2024: ## Manipur Violence Escalates: 33 Arrested, Curfew and Internet Blackout Imposed

**Imphal, India** – A surge in ethnic violence in India’s northeastern Manipur state has prompted police to arrest 33 individuals and impose a curfew and internet blackout, authorities announced Thursday. The clashes between the Hindu Meitei majority and the Christian Kuki community, which began in May 2023, have resulted in at least 200 deaths.

This month saw a significant escalation of violence with insurgents using rockets and drones to drop bombs, killing at least 11 people. Police are attributing the recent unrest to “violent protests” and have called for cooperation from the public to maintain peace.

The internet shutdown in several areas is a repeat of a similar measure implemented last year, which lasted for months. Despite the curfew imposed in the state capital Imphal, hundreds of Meitei protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, demanding action against Kuki insurgent groups blamed for the recent attacks.

Underlying the conflict are longstanding tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities stemming from competition for land and public jobs. Rights groups have accused local leaders of exacerbating these ethnic divisions for political gain.

Manipur, currently ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has seen over 60,000 people displaced from their homes due to the violence. Many remain unable to return.

**Note:** The last paragraph about Sheikh Hasina’s downfall is irrelevant and has been removed as it is not related to the provided text about the Manipur violence.

Read More