Manipur MLA accused of arming ethnic conflict groups

More than 250 people have died and thousands are homeless in Manipur due to ethnic violence since May 2023. The conflict is mainly between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. On Thursday, a group representing the Meitei community in Jiribam accused a local MLA of supplying weapons to troublemakers. They claimed that the MLA held meetings and provided financial support and equipment to these groups. Attempts to reach the MLA for comments have not been successful so far. The organization, Jiri Apunba Lup, stated that despite the MLA's efforts, the Muslim community still wants to live peacefully with the Meiteis. The Indian government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13 after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly is currently suspended, which will last until at least 2027.