THE THOUGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF SULTENG – Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, on Sunday (3/5/2026). This mass action was held to commemorate the third anniversary of the outbreak of the bloody ethnic conflict that has devastated the region since May 2023.
Protesters gathered to remember the victims and voice demands for justice over the ongoing clashes between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo. This conflict, which was triggered by land disputes and a struggle for political power, has claimed a huge number of lives.
Based on the latest reports, the ethnic violence that began three years ago has killed nearly 260 people. Apart from the loss of life, the humanitarian crisis also continues with around 60,000 people forced to flee their homes due to uncertain security conditions.
Also Read: Nayib Bukele; The Coolest Dictator in El Salvador
During the demonstration, the masses urged the government to immediately take concrete steps to resolve the root of the problem and restore peace in Manipur. Tensions between the two ethnic groups are still a major challenge to security stability in India’s border region.
Until this news was published, the situation at the demonstration location was reportedly still under close supervision by security forces to prevent further friction amidst the emotional warning.
In guarding the action to commemorate the third anniversary of the conflict, security forces implemented very tight security by deploying thousands of personnel at vulnerable points. Although the atmosphere is reported to be very tense, there have been no official reports of repressive actions in the form of shooting or indiscriminate beatings of civilians during this action. However, the authorities continue to use barricade approaches and movement restrictions to ensure that masses of the two opposing ethnic groups do not meet each other in the field, which could trigger new clashes. The central government in New Delhi claims to have deployed additional troops to stabilize the region, although many people believe that the military presence has not been able to completely extinguish the embers of conflict at the grassroots level.
Also Read: Chinese Tourists Affected by Wave of Southeast Asia Flight Cancellations, Singapore Routes Affected
The demonstrators expressed great hope that the government would not only maintain physical security, but would also be present to provide fair and transparent political solutions. The community urges an end to discrimination and the restoration of the rights of residents who have lost their homes so that they can return to their homeland with full security guarantees. For the thousands of citizens who took to the streets, true peace can only be achieved if the perpetrators of violence over the past three years are brought to justice and the basic rights of minority and majority communities are respected without any bias from state authorities.***
Source: Al Jazeera
