India’s northeastern state of Manipur remains on high alert after the discovery of six bodies, reportedly belonging to women and children from the majority Meitei community. The news has ignited fresh violence in a state already gripped by ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Meitei groups allege that the victims were kidnapped and murdered by armed Kuki militants, but police have not confirmed these claims. The incident has fueled violent protests, leading authorities to impose an indefinite curfew and suspend internet services in Meitei-majority areas, including Imphal Valley and Bishnupur district.

The ongoing ethnic conflict, which began in May 2022, has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands. On Saturday, protesters ransacked and set fire to homes and offices belonging to at least a dozen lawmakers, primarily from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Police have arrested 23 individuals in connection with the unrest.

Tensions escalated earlier this month following reports of a woman, allegedly from the Kuki community, being raped and burned in Jiribam district. Days later, an attack on a police station and a relief camp for Meitei refugees resulted in the deaths of 10 armed men, whom police identified as suspected Kuki militants. Kuki groups, however, claim the victims were civilian volunteers defending their community.

The latest violence stems from the disappearance of six Meitei family members—a grandmother, her two daughters, and three grandchildren—following the relief camp attack. Police recovered six bodies on Friday, though their identities remain unconfirmed. Rumors that they were the missing family sparked protests and widespread unrest.

Civil society groups and protesters are demanding immediate government action to stop the violence and dismantle armed groups operating in the region. In response, the federal government has deployed top security officials to Manipur. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess the situation, but the state remains tense.

The conflict traces back to Kuki protests last year opposing Meitei demands for official tribal status, which would grant the community access to affirmative action and other benefits. The violence has since divided the state, with Meiteis residing in the Imphal Valley and Kukis in surrounding hill areas, separated by borders and buffer zones guarded by security forces.

Despite sporadic moments of calm, Manipur continues to grapple with deep-seated ethnic tensions and violence.