Manipur Death Toll Hits 306 in Prolonged Ethnic Conflict

Imphal: Manipur's ethnic war has claimed 306 lives. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam delivered the grim update to the state assembly on September 3. These figures, which cover casualties through August 31, 2026, include 11 security personnel among the dead. Another 49 people remain missing.

The conflict traces back to May 3, 2023. A Tribal Solidarity March in the hill districts ignited the fire. Tensions exploded over the Meitei community's push for Scheduled Tribe status. The clashes eventually drew in Meitei, Kuki-Zo, and Naga groups.

Meiteis comprise roughly 53 percent of the state population, centered in the Imphal Valley. The remaining 40 percent consists of hill tribes like the Nagas and Kukis. Konthoujam released the data while answering a query from BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh. He noted, "The dead and missing belong to various communities, including Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas."

The violence broke the state government. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025. Authorities imposed President's rule four days later. This placed the 60-member assembly in suspended animation. The administration shifted again on February 4, 2026, when officials revoked President's rule. A new government took power under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.