Manipur's ethnic conflict has entered a dangerous new phase as fighting between Meitei and Kuki peoples has escalated to involve a third group, the Nagas. Deadly ambushes and abductions have killed more than a dozen people, including three Kuki church leaders, with dozens more kidnapped. This marks the most violent eruption since May 2023 when clashes between the two groups killed hundreds.

The Indian government's response has been to deploy paramilitary troops, effectively severing the state into fragmented zones. Tens of thousands of residents remain displaced, with 60,000 Manipuris unable to return to their homes and approximately 10,000 houses destroyed or damaged. Buffer zones now function like international borders, with armed checkpoints restricting movement between ethnic communities.

The ongoing violence has created severe economic disruption. Businesses operate under constant threat, supply chains are severed, and the government provides only about $1 daily to registered displaced persons. The state's $1 daily relief payment barely sustains displaced families, while many businesses have been destroyed or abandoned. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made minimal efforts toward lasting resolution, visiting briefly last September with no follow-up peace initiatives.