Imphal: The ethnic conflict in Manipur has claimed 306 lives and left 49 people unaccounted for since it erupted in May 2023, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the state Assembly on Thursday, PTI reported.
The minister provided the figures in response to a question from BJP legislator Sapam Ranjan Singh during the second day of the ongoing Assembly session. He said the data was recorded up to 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,” Konthoujam said.
The confrontation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities followed a Tribal Solidarity March held in Manipur’s hill districts on May 3, 2023. The march was organised to oppose the Meitei community’s demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category.
The Meiteis make up approximately 53% of Manipur’s population and are concentrated largely in the Imphal Valley. Tribal communities, including the Nagas and Kukis, account for about 40% of the population and mainly inhabit the state’s hill areas.
Political uncertainty followed the outbreak of violence. President’s rule was introduced on February 13, 2025, after N Biren Singh stepped down as chief minister on February 9 amid the continuing conflict.
The 60-seat Manipur Assembly, whose term is scheduled to end in 2027, was placed under suspended animation during President’s rule.
President’s rule was withdrawn on February 4, 2026, paving the way for the formation of a new BJP-led government headed by Y Khemchand Singh.
