Manipur has remained embroiled in ethnic conflict since May 3, 2023, when violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The state witnessed widespread violence, displacement and loss of lives during the conflict.
TFM Report
As many as 306 people have been killed and 49 remain missing in Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the state Assembly on Thursday.
Konthoujam was responding to a starred question raised by BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh during the morning session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Responding to supplementary questions, the Home Minister said that, as per existing rules, a person is officially declared missing if they remain untraced for seven years.
However, considering the prolonged situation in the state, the government is considering extending assistance to the families of those who remain missing.
The minister said the state Cabinet is likely to take up the matter this month so that necessary assistance can be provided to the affected families.
On the April 7, 2026, Tronglaobi IED blast in Bishnupur district, which killed two minor children while they were sleeping, Congress MLA Kangujam Ranjit sought an update on the investigation.
Replying to the query, Konthoujam said the case had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and that one accused had been arrested.
The accused was identified as Sotminlal Palal, a resident of Molnom village in Churachandpur district, the minister said.
According to the Home Minister, the accused allegedly confessed during interrogation and stated that he belonged to the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA).
Konthoujam said the investigation was still underway to ascertain whether the blast had any political motive and identify all those involved.
“Investigation is underway to find out whether the incident involves a political matter. Anyone involved will not be spared,” the minister said.
Responding to another starred question raised by Congress MLA Kangujam Ranjit regarding the Leilon Vaiphei incident of May 13, the Home Minister said four accused had been arrested and another four identified.
He said several civilians were held captive following twin ambushes reported in Noney and Kangpokpi districts, in which four civilians were killed.
The victims included three church leaders and one Naga man, according to the minister.
Konthoujam said the civilians who had been held captive were subsequently released. However, on the following day, six Naga civilians who were among those held captive were found dead.
The minister also addressed allegations by Naga organisations that the Kuki National Front (Presidential) faction, headed by the husband of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, was involved in the abduction and killing of the six Nagas.
Konthoujam said the allegation was being investigated and that it had not yet been established whether the KNF(P), which is under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, was involved.
Naga organisations have been demanding that the KNF(P) chairman be booked and that Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen resign over the allegations.
Manipur has remained embroiled in ethnic conflict since May 3, 2023, when violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The state witnessed widespread violence, displacement and loss of lives during the conflict.
Tensions later emerged between Naga and Kuki communities in parts of the state following a February 7, 2026, altercation between Naga and Kuki youths at Litan in Ukhrul district. The incident subsequently escalated into wider communal tensions between the two communities.