‘War for independence’: 18 months since violence erupted, what’s the situation in Manipur?

About 18 months after the Kuki-Meitei violence began in May last year, the situation in Manipur remains dire — disrupting peace and livelihoods, with the rift appearing increasingly difficult to bridge.    

The violence has escalated into a conflict, with both communities calling for separate states. Meanwhile, life has come to a standstill, and thousands of families have been displaced and seeking refuge in camps to escape violence.

Independent journalist Smita Sharma spoke to the locals of both Kuki and Meitei communities to understand the crisis, the impact of the violence, the locals’ problems, demands, and conditions on the ground.

This ground report was first published on Smita Sharma’s YouTube channel.