Manipur Tensions Escalate Following Hostage Killings

Protests erupt and curfews imposed after six hostages are found dead, intensifying the state's ongoing ethnic conflict.

Six members of a Meitei family, including women and children, were found dead after being abducted by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam, Manipur.
The discovery of the bodies led to violent protests, with mobs targeting the homes of state ministers and MLAs, resulting in curfews and internet shutdowns across several districts.
The National People's Party (NPP) withdrew support from the BJP-led government, citing failure to restore law and order amid ongoing violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah canceled election rallies to focus on the crisis, as the Manipur government urged the Centre to withdraw the re-imposed Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain areas.
Inter-communal clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have claimed over 250 lives and displaced 60,000 people since May 2023, with tensions exacerbated by recent events.