Violence erupted in India's northeastern state of Manipur after protests over the alleged abduction and murder of two Meitei students. In response to the unrest, authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the state capital, Imphal, and other districts. The violence left over 80 students injured and escalated as armed mobs vandalized government offices and clashed with police.
The tension in Manipur has been growing due to ethnic violence between the Meitei community, which makes up more than half the population, and the Kuki-Zo community, who are mainly Christian. Protests reignited when the bodies of the two missing Meitei students were found, with accusations directed at Kuki-Zo fighters for their deaths.
Since May, ethnic clashes have led to over 180 deaths and displaced thousands. Mobile internet services have been shut down for five days to prevent further violence. The state’s chief minister condemned the killings and promised strict action, while opposition leaders criticized the government's handling of the situation.