TWO WOMEN KILLED AS ETHNIC TENSIONS ESCALATE IN INDIA’S MANIPUR

Two women have been killed in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, with police linking the latest incident to continuing ethnic tensions in the region. The deaths have raised the number of civilians killed in violence connected to the conflict to 10 over the past three weeks, while authorities continue efforts to prevent further clashes and restore calm.

The victims were attacked near their home in Tamenglong district, about 150 kilometres west of the state capital, Imphal. Police Superintendent Lanmiyo Luikham said a shutdown was underway in Tamenglong following the killings, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon. He added that investigators were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack while security officials focused on maintaining peace in the area.

Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic unrest since 2023 involving the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and mainly Christian Kuki minority. In recent months, the violence has also drawn in the Naga community, with competing claims over land and political influence contributing to tensions. The wider conflict has claimed more than 250 lives since it began and has displaced large numbers of residents.

Police said the latest attack appeared to be connected to recent clashes between Naga and Kuki groups. The killings came only days after eight people died in three separate incidents elsewhere in Manipur, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the state despite efforts by the Indian authorities to restore normalcy.

Manipur also shares a porous border with Myanmar, which has itself been affected by prolonged armed conflict. Authorities have continued to call for calm while investigations into the latest killings proceed. The renewed violence is likely to keep pressure on security agencies and the Indian government to strengthen measures aimed at preventing further ethnic attacks and protecting civilians in affected communities.