Tue Mar 18 10:48:51 UTC 2025: ## Missing Meitei Man Fuels Tensions in Manipur
**Imphal, Manipur –** The disappearance of a 20-year-old Meitei man in Manipur has reignited ethnic tensions in the state, nearly two years after violent clashes erupted. Luwangthem Mukesh, a resident of Imphal West district, was last seen on Sunday driving a red Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. His mother, Luwangthem Omila Dev, reported him missing to police.
Police investigations have uncovered CCTV footage placing Mukesh’s car on the outskirts of Bishnupur district, near Kuki-dominant villages, approximately 30 kilometers from Imphal. The location of the sighting has heightened concerns given the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
This incident follows recent unrest stemming from a central government order aimed at ensuring free movement across the state. Protests by Kuki tribes in Kangpokpi resulted in clashes with security forces, leading to one fatality. Meitei organizations accuse Kuki groups of intentionally escalating tensions, while Kuki groups demand a political solution before allowing unrestricted movement. The Meiteis argue that free movement and dialogue can occur concurrently.
The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people. The issues at the heart of the conflict include land rights and political representation. The disappearance of Mukesh underscores the fragility of the peace process and the deep-seated mistrust between the two communities in the state currently under President’s rule.
First Piper 