Manipur ethnic violence death toll reaches 306, says state home minister

At least 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in the ethnic violence that broke out in Manipur in May 2023, state home minister Govindas Konthoujam told the Assembly on Thursday. Responding to a query by BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh on the second day of the ongoing Assembly session, Konthoujam said the figures were recorded as of August 31, 2026. “Since the violence started on May 3, 2023, 306 people have died, and 49 people are still missing as of August 31, 2026,” he said.

Violence erupted over ST status demand

The ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis account for around 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute around 40 per cent and reside predominantly in the hill districts. The prolonged violence resulted in widespread displacement and triggered significant political developments in the state.

President’s Rule revoked earlier this year

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025, after then chief minister N Biren Singh resigned amid the prolonged ethnic conflict. The 60-member Assembly was subsequently placed under suspended animation. President’s Rule was revoked on February 4, 2026, paving the way for the formation of a new government under BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh as chief minister.