Manipur Ethnic Violence

Since the 3rd of May, violence has been ongoing in Manipur between the Kuki and Meitei communities. Meitei, who are in the majority, and Kuki, who are in the minority, have been at odds since this conflict began after a high court judge asked the Manipur Government to consider granting ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to the Meitei community.

Currently, in Manipur, Kuki tribes have the ability to buy land throughout the entire state, but they predominantly reside in hilly areas such as Kangpokpi, Saikul, and Churachandpur. On the other hand, the Meitei community resides in the Imphal Valley. In the state of Manipur, only tribal communities are permitted to purchase land.

Following the high court's suggestion, the Kuki community in Churachandpur organized a rally, which subsequently escalated into violence within the state. Many individuals from both communities have been displaced, and there have been casualties and disappearances.

Yaqut of The Wire spent nearly 15 days in Manipur, and here is what he has documented.

  • Yaqut Ali
    Director
  • Yaqut Ali
    Writer
  • Yaqut Ali
    Producer
  • The Wire
    Organisation
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 17 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 18, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Hindi
  • Shooting Format:
    MOV
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Yaqut Ali

Yaqut Ali is a Multimedia Reporter, Producer, and Documentarian who is currently working with The Wire.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Documenting violence and bringing real stories from the ground is one of the toughest challenges one can face in their life. I am happy to document the Manipur violence and shed light on the real issues on the ground. However, I am saddened by the fact that I wasn't able to provide assistance to the people on the ground, apart from filming and writing their stories.